DCR 2025 Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Grant

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is soliciting applications for the 2025 Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Grant, aimed at supporting non-profit rural or volunteer fire departments serving populations under 10,000 and composed of at least 80% volunteer firefighters. The program, funded in part by the USDA Forest Service, offers grants on a 50% reimbursement basis with a maximum reimbursement of $3,500 for projects with total costs of $7,000 or more. Eligible applicants may use the funds to acquire wildland fire safety gear, equipment, training, and other hazard mitigation resources, with priority given to projects that align with specified funding categories such as wildland fire training and rural forest fire defenses. The grant period is from July 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, and applications must be submitted electronically through the Massachusetts Grant Management System (GMS) by January 23, 2026. The contract framework governing these grants incorporates the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Terms and Conditions and Standard Contract Form updated July 2025, which establish essential provisions including payments on a reimbursement basis, confidentiality obligations under state data privacy laws, record retention requirements for six years, restrictions on assignment and subcontracting without prior approval, and affirmative action mandates prohibiting discrimination. The contract places risk of loss on the contractor until formal acceptance by the Department, which retains ownership of all funded deliverables. Compliance with audit requirements is reinforced by DCR’s sub-recipient monitoring procedures tied to federal OMB Circular A-133 standards where applicable. The administration of the grant contract adheres to Massachusetts statutes governing payments and contract disputes, including mediation options. While the solicitation outline does not provide formal evaluation weights or financial cost schedules, awards will be competitive and based on alignment with state priorities, program eligibility, and demonstrated benefit to high-risk communities. The designated point of contact for inquiries is Callista Perry, reachable via phone or email, and all submissions must follow instructions in the 2025 VFC Announcement and Guidelines to ensure eligibility and completeness.