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.
ATTENTION: New this year, all fire departments are required to obtain a Vendor Code number from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Controller for the fire department. Information and the application needed to obtain this number can be downloaded HERE.
ATTENTION: All fire departments with a 501C3 status must include an IRS Determiniation letter with grant submittal.
Assistance to Volunteer Fire Departments
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program, provides training, grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less. VFA grants are 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 VFA grant funding include: Nomex clothing, pumps, hoses, tanks, fire shelters, small fire suppression equipment and personal protective equipment.
The 2024 VFA Grant Application is now available. Download a copy of the grant application HERE. For more information and assistance regarding the grants, contact Samatha Rose Rural Fire Suppression Technical Advisor, at 502-803-8926.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Tornado and Flooding assistance (21’ Tornado and 22’ Flooding VFA 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 the recent tornados and flooding. VFAINF 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 VFAINF grant funding include: Nomex clothing, pumps, hoses, tanks, fire shelters, small fire suppression equipment and wildland personal protective equipment. Grant application is available HERE.
Kentucky Firewise Community Grants
The Kentucky Division of Forestry, in cooperation of the USDA Forest Service, is pleased to announce the Kentucky Firewise Community Grant Program. Grants are awarded for projects to reduce the wildfire risk and/or hazard in Kentucky's wildland/urban interface communities. Grant priority will be given based on community-at-risk level, establishment of a local Firewise Council of Board, and type of project submitted. Download a copy of the grant HERE.
E-mail Kessley Baker with any questions you may have.
Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant
Now Open!
The Kentucky Division of Forestry's Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant is open for applications February 9 – April 5, 2024. One million eight hundred thousand dollars ($1.8 million) 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 US 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 $250,000. 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 coming soon by visiting our UCFAG page or emailing to join our mailing list!