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Volunteer Fire Department Grants
Community Foundation of Abilene has a special grant cycle for volunteer fire departments (VFDs) in the West-Central Texas region.
The Foundation and our donors recognize the important role VFDs play for our rural communities, especially in the devastating wildfire season experienced in 2022. This funding opportunity provides added support for VFDs to purchase safety and equipment needed to serve and protect our neighbors in these communities.
Application Criteria
- The 2023 grant cycle is now closed. The application reopens January 2024.
- Application opens January 2 and runs through February 15.
- Grant decisions are made by March 31.
- VFDs from the following counties may apply:
- Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor and Throckmorton
- Most grants will range from $5,000 to $25,000, though a grant committee determines final amounts.
How to Apply
Note: The 2023 VFD Grant Cycle is now closed. Beginning January 2024, grant applications can be submitted through the online grant manager by clicking the "Apply Now" button that will then be live.
First-time applicants will need to create an account. Once your account is set up, your dashboard will be displayed on the screen every time you log in. From the dashboard, you can edit your contact information, begin the application process, access application drafts and submitted applications, and submit required post-grant evaluation reports.
If you need assistance, please refer to the following:
- Written tutorial
- Video tutorial
- Helpful tip: For the best user experience when accessing the Online Grant Manager, we suggest using the most current browser version, preferably Chrome.
Questions? Contact Meagan Harris, Rural Grants Manager, at mharris@cfabilene.org or 325-676-3883 with any grant-related questions.