Grant Opportunities
The Division of Forestry works in cooperation with several other entities to provide grant opportunities for the purpose of protecting and enhancing the forest resources of Kentucky. Historically, grant funding has been available to volunteer fire departments and communities for the purpose of wildland fire protection and to communities for the purpose of urban and community forestry projects. Scroll down for specific information about these grants.
Assistance to Volunteer Fire Departments
- All fire departments are required to obtain a Vendor Code number from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Controller for the fire department.
- All fire departments with IRS Non-Profit Designation status must include an IRS Determiniation letter with grant submittal.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program is designed to establish and enhance fire protection in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less. Through this program, the Division of Forestry provides training, grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments.
Volunteer Fire Assistance grants funding ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 is available through a 50/50 reimbursement system on an annual basis. Grant applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year, and recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFA grant funding include:
- Nomex Clothing
- Pumps & Hoses
- Tanks
- Fire Shelters
- Wildland Fire Hand Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
The 2026 VFA Program Grant Application is now available. For more information and assistance regarding the grants, email KDFGrants.VFA@ky.gov or williamh.duncan@ky.gov Rural Fire Suppression Technical Advisor, at (606) 671-0302. Application deadline is April 30, 2026.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Natural Disaster Grant
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Natural Disaster (VFAND) Grant program, provides grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less that have been negatively affected by a recent Natural Disaster. This includes tornados, flooding, ice storms, and any events where a natural disaster resulted in a declared state of emergency. VFAND grants are currently available on an annual basis and applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year. Grant recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. Grant funds ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available through a 50/50 reimbursement system. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFAND grant funding include: Nomex clothing, pumps, hoses, tanks, fire shelters, wildland fire hand tools and personal protective equipment.
VFAND Application Forms are available on line. Application deadline is April 30, 2026.
Kentucky Firewise USA® Community Grants
The Firewise USA® Community grant program provides funding to assist communities in wildland-urban interface areas to reduce wildfire risk. The grant cycle runs from Oct. 1 through June 30. Grantees must complete project activities and submit receipts and documentation in order to receive reimbursement.
Download a copy of the KY Firewise Grant Application.
To learn more about how to reduce wildfire risk in your community, visit the National Firewise Web site or contact the division's Firewise USA® Program Coordinator, kessley.baker@ky.gov. For grant questions contact KDF Grants.Firewise@ky.gov.
Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant - 2026
The Kentucky Division of Forestry's Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant is open for applications February 15 - April 3, 2026. Unobligated funds of $156,721 will be available to local governments, 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, and educational institutions to support work increasing access to trees and green spaces, and the many benefits they provide.
Funded through the U.S. Forest Service from the Inflation Reduction Act, 100% of funding is intended to be delivered to or used to serve underserved and disadvantaged communities. Communities and organizations are encouraged to apply for between $1,000 and $4,000. Larger proposals will be considered. Consideration will be given to ensure smaller communities have equitable access to funding. No match funding will be required. Look for more information on the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant page or cwiedamann@ky.gov to join our mailing list.