The Rural VFD Assistance Program provides funding to VFDs for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, and firefighter training. The program also provides grants for volunteer recruitment resources and emergency assistance following catastrophic events and declared states of disaster.
Recognized, non-profit volunteer fire departments operated by its members are eligible. Any part-paid/part-volunteer fire department is also eligible if the number of paid members is 20 or fewer. The fire department must be a recognized fire department, located in and operating within a designated primary protection area as assigned by the county. Primary protection areas cannot overlap. The fire department must be in good standing with the State of Texas and the agency. To receive grants utilizing federal funds, receiving departments must meet additional federal requirements.
Established by the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001, the program has been successful in helping fire departments get the vehicles, training, and equipment they would otherwise not have had access to. Due to its usefulness to the fire service of Texas, the request volume far exceeds the program’s yearly funding. Therefore, while we would like to fund every request, it unfortunately takes some time to help every department in need.
Announcements
- Equipment Round 4 Awards (All Program Categories) – Tentatively Scheduled for 5/15/2026
- Annual Public Meeting/Listening Session – May 26th
- This meeting is open to the public, where we will hear comments, questions, or suggestions on items related to the Rural VFD Assistance Program for the upcoming fiscal year 2027.
- 200 Technology Way Room 1105 A&D, College Station TX, 77845 | 9am
- Attendance is not required to submit comments or suggestions. They can also be emailed to [email protected].
- Special Announcement – New Legislative Funding
- FY26 Program Updates and Changes
- 2026 TEEX Spring and Municipal Schools: Grants for meal cards and dorms are no longer offered.
Active Declared State of Disaster Grants
- 253 – Heavy Rainfall and Flooding | 7/2/25 – 6/5/26
- 254 – Increased Fire Weather | 8/12/25 – 6/14/26
- 262 – Severe Storm | 4/24/26 – 6/5/26
FireConnect
Apply for training tuition, apparatus, equipment, and emergency grants through FireConnect, our home for fire department assistance programs.