SPRINGFIELD – The deadline to apply for the Illinois Fire Department COVID Assistance Grant has been extended to this Friday. Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez announced a funding opportunity addressing Illinois fire departments impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $1,000,000 will be available to assist approximately 80 impacted fire departments that operate throughout the state. Under this one-time grant opportunity, eligible Illinois fire departments could receive up to $15,000 in order to make up for lost donation revenues stemming from their inability to host local fundraising events during 2020. These fundraising events pay for necessities like fuel for fire trucks, utilities, and insurance.
“The COVID-19 pandemic really put a strain fire department budgets across the state but impacted smaller combination or volunteer fire departments/districts the hardest,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “These smaller departments rely on fundraising activities to help keep fuel in their trucks and the lights on in the firehouse. The OSFM is proud to help provide funding to ensure residents in the areas, served by these departments, know that when they need help someone will be there.”
All grant applications must be received by August 20, 2021. The application review process will begin on August 23, 2021 and end on September 3, 2021. Grant recipients are expected to receive awards by October 2021.
Grant applications can be found by visiting the OSFM website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/CurrentFocus/Documents/Fire%20Department%20COVID-19%20Assistance%20Grant%20Application.pdf
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