PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON — In 2026, 150 local volunteer fire departments will receive a $10,000 grant through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program to buy equipment that improves responder safety and effectiveness. This marks the program’s third year, funded by State Farm and administered by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).
“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 total of 150 volunteer fire departments will receive a grant. To ensure the grants are helping communities across the U.S., at least one recipient will be selected from every state that has 10 or more eligible applications. In addition, the first 2,000 applicants will receive a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of State Farm. Membership comes with a variety of benefits that support responders and help them be at their best on and off the job.
The 2026 application period is open for three days only – from May 4 at noon ET to May 7 at noon ET. To be eligible to apply, departments must be over 50 percent volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, have an annual revenue no more than $250,000, and be located in the U.S. and legally organized under state law. Grants can be used to fund a variety of equipment, including PPE, technology, communication devices, rescue tools, and more.
To help departments with the application process, the NVFC provides application guidance, an eligible equipment list, and frequently asked questions on the program webpage at www.nvfc.org/statefarm. The application form will be available on that webpage from noon ET on May 4 to noon ET on May 7.
Read about the recipients of the 2025 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program here. Find more opportunities for the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services at www.nvfc.org/opportunities.
About State Farm
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance combined in the United States. Its more than 19,200 agent offices and 65,000 employees serve over 96 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 36 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.