State Fire Marshal’s Small Equipment Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

For Immediate Release – August 24, 2021

Springfield, Ill – The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) today announced the application period is open for the Small Equipment Grant Program. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM no later than October 22, 2021. OSFM will award $2.5 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services during this application period.

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state in June.

“Many fire departments are facing budget cuts while their operating costs continue to increase. Our Small Equipment Grant Program allows these departments to acquire items that they may otherwise have to wait to purchase or just do without. Illinois’ firefighters and EMS personnel deserve our support to safely and effectively provide service to their communities.” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez.

This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for the fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to 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 (PPE), applicants can also apply for personal infection control items such as masks, gowns and 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.

Fire department, fire protection districts and township fire department applicants are required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for a minimum of two years prior to applying. The OSFM will require departments to be current through June 2021 for this grant period.

Additional information including the application can be found here: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/Iam/FireDepartment/Grants-and-Loans/Pages/default.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2lKJADTq30x027VLZUazoBZVtynRWD91meoygszVGPng61et5NSFhblXc

Completed applications should be submitted to:

Office of the State Fire Marshal
Small Equipment Grant Program
1035 Stevenson Drive
Springfield, IL 62703