2026 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program to Provide $1.5 Million to Local Fire Departments

Through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, 150 local volunteer fire departments will receive a $10,000 grant in 2026 to purchase equipment that enhances responder efficacy and safety. This is the third year of the program, which is run by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and financed by State Farm.

“Volunteer fire departments respond to a wide array of emergencies, and they require specialized tools and equipment to safely and effectively answer the call. We are thrilled to team up with State Farm for this critical program that enables local fire departments to secure the equipment they need,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “This year will mark $4 million in support given to local departments, and we have already seen how the equipment funded through these grants have helped departments save lives and property.”

“At State Farm, helping people manage the risks of everyday life is part of our mission. We are committed to supporting safer, stronger, better educated communities,” said Rasheed Merritt, State Farm HR&D Exec-Corporate Responsibility. “We are honored to back the work of volunteer firefighters, true good neighbors who put their lives on the line every day.”

A grant will be given to 150 volunteer fire departments. At least one beneficiary will be chosen from each state with ten or more qualified submissions in order to guarantee that the awards are benefiting communities throughout the United States. Additionally, State Farm will provide a one-year NVFC membership to the first 2,000 applicants. Numerous advantages that support responders and enable them to perform at their highest level both on and off the job are included with membership.

Only three days, from May 4 at 12 p.m. EST to May 7 at 12 p.m. EST, are available for applications in 2026. Departments must be located in the United States, lawfully constituted under state law, serve a population of 25,000 or fewer, have an annual revenue of no more than $250,000 and be more than 50% volunteer in order to be eligible to apply. A wide range of equipment, such as PPE, technology, communication devices, rescue tools and more, can be purchased using grants.

On the program webpage, the NVFC offers frequently asked questions, an eligible equipment list and application guidelines to assist departments with the application process.

Go here to learn more about the 2025 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program awardees. Visit here to learn more about volunteer fire, EMS and rescue service possibilities.