Photo credit: State Farm.
State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council have awarded $1.5 million in grants to 150 volunteer fire departments across 43 states to purchase equipment aimed at improving responder safety and protecting communities.
Each department received a $10,000 grant through the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. Grant funding can be used for a range of department needs, including personal protective equipment, emergency medical services and rescue tools, communication devices and other equipment.
Volunteer firefighters make up all or most of the personnel at 82% of U.S. fire departments. Many volunteer departments operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to purchase equipment needed to respond safely and effectively to emergencies.
The 2026 grants bring the total distributed through the State Farm and NVFC partnership to $4 million since the program began in 2024.
The 2026 grant recipients were announced Aug. 18, a date recognized by many as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. Volunteer firefighters respond to structure and wildland fires, vehicle crashes, medical emergencies, natural disasters and hazardous materials incidents.
State Farm and the NVFC also plan to participate with select grant recipients in community engagement events this fall. Activities may include open houses, fire prevention events, parades and other local gatherings.
In addition to the 150 grants, State Farm provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants. Membership provides access to benefits including free training and support services.
The NVFC is a national nonprofit association serving volunteer fire, emergency medical and rescue services.
Source: State Farm, "Volunteer Fire Departments Receive $1.5 Million in Grants Through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program"