Tennessee volunteer fire departments can apply for $20 million in state grants to buy firefighting equipment and pay for training in 2027.
The Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program helps departments purchase equipment used to fight fires and protect firefighters. Departments can also use the money to cover their share of costs for federal grants they have already received.
More than 73% of Tennessee fire departments are staffed by volunteers, according to State Fire Marshal and TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. He said many departments have limited funding to buy increasingly expensive equipment.
Since the program began in 2020, it has provided $46.5 million to volunteer fire departments across Tennessee.
For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the state is providing $20 million for equipment and training. The Tennessee General Assembly also approved $1 million in matching funds for federal grants awarded for fire apparatus.
Applications are being accepted through Dec. 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. CST. The grants will be awarded in January 2027.
More information about eligibility and how to apply is available at the SFMO’s Grant Opportunities webpage.
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