The Office of the State Fire Marshal recently announced the opening of the application period for the Small Equipment Grant Program. The OSFM will award $4 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM electronically or postmarked no later than October 1, 2024.

The Small Equipment Grant Program, established to provide grants of up to $26,000 to eligible departments, is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The grants allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small tools and equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. In addition to firefighting personal protective equipment, applicants can also apply for personal infection control items such as masks/gowns/gloves this application cycle.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts, and township fire departments are eligible to apply. In addition, stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are eligible to apply.

The OSFM will hold open 'office hours' on the web in the coming weeks to assist departments with their applications.  Click here for more information

OSFM News Release