Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (PA VLAP)
A long-running low-interest loan program for fire, rescue, and EMS organizations. Helps fund larger needs that exceed grant amounts: new vehicles and equipment, building construction and renovation, turnout gear, and radio equipment.
Who it is for
Fire, rescue, and emergency medical service organizations in Pennsylvania. Oriented toward volunteer organizations needing affordable financing for major purchases.
Department types: Volunteer, Combination
An honest note on fit
The right tool when a need is too big for a grant, like a fire truck or a station. It is debt, not free money, but the terms beat commercial financing. Pairs well with the FCEMS grant, which can even fund debt reduction associated with a facility or equipment.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the funder.
Apply directly to the OSFC's Volunteer Loan Assistance Program. This is a loan, not a grant, offering favorable terms for large capital needs.
Match required: Not applicable in the grant sense; this is a loan that the organization repays on favorable terms.
How to apply
- Determine whether your need is large enough to warrant financing rather than a grant, such as an apparatus or a building project.
- Review the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program details on the OSFC grants and loans page.
- Contact the program directly (Office of the State Fire Commissioner, Volunteer Loan Assistance Program) to begin.
- Prepare your project and financial information for the loan application.
- Submit your application and work with OSFC on the loan terms.
Deadline: A standing loan program rather than a fixed annual window. Contact OSFC for current terms and process. (Rolling, apply any time)
Funding: Provides low-interest loans for major capital purchases. Loan amounts and rates are set by the program; confirm current terms with OSFC.
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.