Established in 1975, the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Matching Grant Program, formerly known as Rural Community Fire Protection, aims to provide financial support to organize, train, and equip fire departments in rural areas and communities for fire prevention and suppression. Administered by the Indiana Division of Forestry, this program annually disburses federal VFA funds to rural and volunteer fire departments. A qualifying rural fire department is defined as a recognized organization offering primary fire protection to rural areas or communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Fire departments serving cities with populations over 10,000 may also be eligible if they protect additional rural areas. Eligible projects for funding include fire prevention/education materials, training equipment, water handling equipment, communications equipment, and safety gear among others. Capital improvements and EMS equipment are not eligible for funding. Applicants have two years to complete their projects upon receiving the grant.

Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: March 1st