Volunteer Fire Capacity Program

How it works

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program, formerly known as the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program, provides federal financial, technical, and other assistance to state foresters and other appropriate officials to organize, train, and equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress wildfires.

What the money covers

Each year, federal funds are appropriated to assist towns with:

• the purchase of forest fire equipment
• forest fire training

Amounts and matching

• Grants require towns to match the grant funds dollar for dollar.
• The page does not state a maximum award amount.

Timing and deadlines

The Maine Forest Service says the 2025 schedule in Maine is:

• Mid-September: applications for the upcoming year are made available
• Mid-December: deadline for applications
• December: Maine Forest Service and Maine Fire Chiefs Association Forestry Committee review applications and make recommendations for award amounts
• Mid-January: award letters are sent via email
• March: deadline for the signed agreement and assurances forms to be returned to the MFS
• April, May, June, and July: reimbursements are issued to towns if paperwork is in order
• July 31: deadline for receipts and payment documentation to be turned in to MFS

How to apply

• Download the 2026 VFC Program Announcement
• Contact the VFC Program Administrator for more information