Grants

Rural Fire Capacity Grant Program

Arizona's Rural Fire Capacity Grant Program (RFC) formally known as the Volunteer Fire Assistance or VFA Grant Program is authorized by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1990. It provides financial assistance to train, organize, and equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress fires.

  • Under the RFC program, a fire department or district must serve a community of 10,000 population or less and at least 80% of department firefighting personnel must be of volunteer status. 
 
Funds originate from the USDA Forest Service and are awarded and administered as sub-grants from The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The maximum award from this program to any single firefighting organization is $10,000 per year. 
 
The 2024 Rural Fire Capacity (RFC) Grant Application Period is Now Open!

How to Apply 

Please review all documentation before beginning the application process. All necessary documents related to the Rural Fire Capacity Grant process can be found on the portal page. Before applying, please review the RFC Application Submission (link is external) Guide.  (link is external)The guide will help walk you through the application process. All applications will only be accepted through our online portal. Click here to apply. (link is external) Applications will be accepted until January 24, 2025, at COB.
 
If you have further questions, please contact the Fire Prevention Department: 602-771-1400.

USFS Logo

The Rural Fire Capacity Grant Program (RFC) is supported by USDA Forest Service funding. 

The Department of Forestry and Fire Management complies with USDA Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination requirements. 

 
 

State Fire Assistance / Wildland Urban Interface Grants

The State Fire Assistance Grant Program, also known as the Wildland Urban Interface Grant Program, focuses on hazard fuels reduction, information and education, and community and homeowner action. Fire departments, local governments, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations qualify.   
 
The proposal period for the 2018 grant cycle is now closed.
 
Guidance and forms for the 2019 grant cycle are expected to be available in the spring of 2018. 
 
For past application instructions and forms - please review the following documents. 

 

Lavender Burn