Volunteer fire departments across Tennessee can now seek a share of $20 million in state funding for firefighting equipment and training.
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office announced the application opening November 3. The agency says applications for the 2027 Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program will be accepted through 2 p.m. Central time December 4.
Eligible departments must hold valid recognition from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and have a staff made up of at least 51 percent volunteer firefighters, according to the program’s eligibility guidance.
The funding can help departments obtain equipment or cover the local share of qualifying federal equipment and training grants.
A separate $1 million Volunteer Firefighter Vehicle Grant Program is also available for matching funds on federal grants awarded for fire apparatus. Departments apply for that funding through the VFEAT application. It is not a general offer to pay for new fire trucks.
The state expects to announce VFEAT awards in January 2027. No Franklin County award is announced in the application-opening notice.
Department leaders can find instructions on the state grant page. Questions may be directed to sfmo.grants@tn.gov or 615-806-3725.
