Financial Assistance
Volunteer Fire Assistance Cost Share Program
The Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Program administers the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) cost share program. Grant funding is provided by the US Forest Service.
The funding is available to rural departments or city departments that provide fire protection to rural areas with populations of less than 10,000 people. Departments may purchase firefighting equipment on a matching funds basis. Grants are evaluated and distributed based on need. Priority funding is given to wildland fire equipment, safety items and communication needs.
2025 VFA Application Instructions
- Review the FAQ document.
- Complete the Expenditure Card Form, ensuring your email address on the final question is the address to which you would like the VFA application sent.
- Once the Expenditure Card Form is complete, you will receive an email containing the VFA application link.
- Click the link to view all the VFA questions before applying.
- Once you begin the application, please complete it before submitting.
- Multiple applications for the same department may delay our ability to process the grant application.
- After completing the VFA application, you will receive a copy of your application. A copy of the application will be sent to the email address in the FIRE CHIEF EMAIL text box. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct address and that you can access the form from that email account.
- Any questions about the form or process can be directed to kfs@ksu.edu
