State Opens $20 Million Grant for Volunteer Fire Departments
Tennessee fire departments can apply through December 4, 2026, for state funds to buy equipment and pay for training.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office is accepting applications for $20 million in state grants through the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program. The state also approved $1 million in matching funds for federal fire apparatus grants.
Why it matters
More than 73% of Tennessee fire departments are staffed by volunteers, and many have limited funding to buy increasingly expensive equipment. The grants help departments protect firefighters and cover their share of costs for federal grants already received.
The state is providing $20 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, bringing the program's total to $46.5 million since 2020. The source does not say how many departments are expected to apply or how awards will be distributed among them.
The players
Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office
The state agency that administers the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program and receives applications from fire departments.
Tennessee General Assembly
The state legislature that approved $1 million in matching funds for federal fire apparatus grants.
The details
Departments apply through the State Fire Marshal's Office during the application window, which closes December 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. CST. Funds can be used to purchase firefighting equipment, pay for training, and cover local shares of federal grants already awarded.
Timeline
2020: The Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program began.
2026-2027 fiscal year: The state provides $20 million for equipment and training.
December 4, 2026, 2 p.m. CST: Application deadline for the grants.
January 2027: Grants are expected to be awarded.
Money Trail
The Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program, launched in 2020, has now delivered $46.5 million to volunteer fire departments across Tennessee. This new $20 million round extends that program into the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Volunteer fire departments across Tennessee can seek state funds to buy equipment and pay for training before the December 4, 2026 deadline. Departments that have already received federal grants may use this money to cover their required local share.
The takeaway
Volunteer fire departments facing rising equipment costs should review the application requirements with the State Fire Marshal's Office before the December 4, 2026 deadline. Early preparation can help departments document their needs for the January 2027 award cycle.
What happens next
Applications close December 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. CST, and grant awards are expected in January 2027.
Further reading
For related coverage of charitable giving and grant programs, see Philanthropy.
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Should your state spend more money helping volunteer fire departments?
