The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) program formerly known as the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) provides funding assistance for training, supplies, equipment purchases, and prevention activities on a cost share basis. Over the past 6 years, the DFFP has supported an average of 34 fire departments each year with a total of $896,230. These funds have increased over the years from $6000 to $10,000 per department. The DFFP will work to continue this level of support to eligible local fire agencies across the state.
The program is available from the USDA Forest Service through the State of Alaska, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection and may be used for both wildland and structure protection needs. The assistance is provided to increase firefighter safety, improve the firefighting capabilities of rural volunteer fire departments, and enhance protection in the wildland urban interface. The amount available to apply for is capped at $10,000. Thirty-three (33) fire departments applied to the 2026 VFC grant program, and all applications were funded. Thirty-three (33) Alaska Fire Departments will receive up to $10,000 per fire department. A total of $297,910.32 will be awarded. The next VFC grant application period will be open from October - December 2026, for the 2027 awards year. Eligibility criteria for applicants is listed below.
- Basic Volunteer Fire Capacity Criteria
- Serve a population of 15,000 or less
- Be registered with the Alaska Division of Fire & Life Safety
- Be NIMS Compliant
- Be in compliance with past VFC awards
- Provide documentation of a minimum of 10% matching funds with application
VFC applications will only be accepted through the State of Alaska, Division of Forestry's Online Line Application System (OLAS) https://dnr.alaska.gov/olas/.
If, as a fire department, you have already registered equipment in OLAS, use the same username and password to access the 2026 VFC Grant Application. If you are new to using OLAS, please register with your department's Fire Department Identification (FDID) number. Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs) will need to know their State of Alaska (SOA) vendor number to apply and also be set up to receive funds electronically from the State of Alaska. Once you have registered in OLAS, log in, and go to the menu bar at the top of the page and click ‘Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program’, from there you will be able to apply, view and/or print and sign all relevant documents, and review the 2026 VFC Grant Manual. The 2026 VFC Grant Manual can be found online within VFC OLAS and on this web page: 2026 VFC Grant Manual
If received, a Volunteer Fire Capacity grant is an award of Federal financial assistance (CFDA # 10.664) and is subject to the OMB guidance in subparts A through F of 2 CFR Part 200 as adopted and supplemented by USDA in 2 CFR Part 400. Adoption by USDA of the OMB guidance in 2 CFR 400 gives regulatory effect to the OMB guidance in 2 CFR 200 where full text may be found. Electronic copies of the CFRs can be obtained at the following internet site: www.ecfr.gov.
2026 Grant Information
- 2025 VFC Award List (PDF)
- 2026 VFC Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
- 2026 Grant Manual (PDF)
- 2026 VFC Grant application (Word)