CFDA#
|
|
Funder Type
State Government
|
IT Classification
B - Readily funds technology as part of an award
|
|
|
Authority
Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC)
Summary
The Rural Fire Capacity (RFC) Grant Program assists rural volunteer fire departments by providing cost-share grants for training, equipping and organizing. Rural fire departments represent the first line of defense in coping with wildfires and other emergencies in rural areas and rural communities. These departments are charged with the protection of lives, homes and business investments.
The purpose of this grant is to provide financial, technical, and related assistance to volunteer fire departments to organize, train and equip local firefighters. Assist qualifying fire departments in saving lives and protecting financial investments and enhance environmental quality to revitalize rural areas and communities of 10,000 persons or less.
History of Funding
FY 1975 was the first appropriation of $3.5 million provided for technical financial, technical, and other assistance. Title IV was later repealed by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, P.L. 95-313 §7 which authorizes; The Cooperative Fire Protection Programs, (i.e., SFA §7(b)2 and VFA §7(b)3) formerly known as Rural Fire Prevention and Control, changed to State Fire Assistance” during the FY1999 Budget process; and Funding no longer passed through the Rural Housing Service to the Forest Service. The Forest Stewardship Act of 1990 aka 1990 Farm Bill”. This Act moved Cooperative Fire Protection Programs (CFP) to Section10 of the CFAA, §10(b)3 contains RFC (formerly known as VFA) Program authority. The 10,000-community population limit is located in Section 30(b)a of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
Additional Information
The Rural Fire Capacity (RFC) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, makes funding available to rural fire departments. This federal funding is passed through and administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Originally authorized in Title IV of Public Law 92-419, The Rural Development Act of 1972” The mission, to organize, train and equip local fire forces to prevent, control and suppress fires in rural areas.
The RFC program defines a rural fire department as a recognized fire protection organization providing primary fire protection to a specific rural area or rural community. A rural area or a rural community with a population of 10,000 or less, or a community with a population greater than 10,000 that includes service to a rural community of 10,000 or less. Grant funds must benefit the rural area or rural community.
Eligibility Details
Any fire department that is based in a community with a population of 10,000 or less at the latest Census is eligible to apply for funding under the RFC program.
Deadline Details
Applications were to be submitted by May 20, 2022. A similar deadline is anticipated annually.
Award Details
Grants awarded will typically range from $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000, per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Award amounts may vary due to funding availability and the number and quality of applications received. Multi-year applications will be considered with a 2-year maximum.
The award amount for this grant varies according to need and project size.
Related Webcasts
-
Funding to Enhance Response, Investigation, and Prosecution of Domestic Violence - Sponsored by Panasonic
-
Playback Available
-
Justice Assistance Grants: Re-thinking the Program You Know So Well - Sponsored by Panasonic
-
Playback Available
-
Making the Most of the 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Grants – Sponsored by Panasonic
-
Playback Available