Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment Grant Program (V-FIRE)
A state-funded competitive grant to strengthen volunteer fire departments. Two tracks: up to $1,000,000 for construction, renovation, or purchase of critical facilities like stations and training buildings, or up to $500,000 for allowable fire service equipment. Reimbursement-based.
Who it is for
Volunteer fire companies comprised of 100 percent volunteer firefighters that provide fire protection in New York. Counties and municipal shared-services applicants may apply on behalf of volunteer departments with documented consent. Organizations previously funded by V-FIRE may be excluded from reapplying, so check the current RFA.
Department types: Volunteer
An honest note on fit
The single strongest state option for a New York volunteer fire department, especially for a station or major equipment need. Career and combination departments are not eligible, since it requires 100 percent volunteer membership.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the funder.
Eligible departments apply directly to DHSES through the state E-Grants System. Register your organization first at grantsmanagement.ny.gov.
Match required: No match stated in the program materials. It is reimbursement-based, meaning you incur costs and claim them back, so plan cash flow accordingly.
How to apply
- Register your organization at grantsmanagement.ny.gov if you have not already.
- Create an account in the DHSES E-Grants System and review the E-Grants tutorial.
- Read the current Request for Applications carefully, since applications missing any required section are disqualified.
- Decide which track you are applying for: facilities (up to $1,000,000) or equipment (up to $500,000).
- Complete the application worksheet, answering every question, and submit through E-Grants before the deadline.
Deadline: Competitive, issued as a state fiscal year RFA. The SFY2025-2026 round opened in December 2025 with a deadline of February 25, 2026. Future rounds depend on state budget allocation, so check the DHSES state-funded programs page for the current RFA. (Annual cycle)
Funding: A $25,000,000 total program pool. Individual awards up to $1,000,000 (facilities) or $500,000 (equipment). The first round funded 88 entities.
Verified as of 2026-05-31. Programs are checked periodically against their official source. Funding details and deadlines change. Confirm the current requirements on the official program page before you apply.