Every day, volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel put their lives on the line to protect their communities. But what happens when the tragedy strikes home? Many first responders are impacted each year by disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, and others – often having their own homes damaged or destroyed while they are out protecting those of their neighbors. These men and women dedicate themselves to serving their communities. When their homes and families are affected by tragedy, they rely on the community to give back.

You can assist in helping these first responders in need by contributing to the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund.

The NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund provides a stipend of $350 to volunteer first responders whose homes have been impacted by a state- or federally-declared disaster or a home fire. The stipend helps these firefighters and emergency personnel meet their basic needs in the aftermath of the disaster or fire.

The Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund was created in response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Since then, the fund has also assisted volunteer first responders impacted by flooding in New York and along the Mississippi River, tornadoes in different parts of the country, Super Storm Sandy, wildfires in the West, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other large-scale disasters. To date, more than $750,000 has been distributed to volunteer firefighters in need.

The fund relies on the support of individuals and organizations to assist volunteer first responders in need. 100% of donations go to volunteer responders in need; the NVFC donates all administrative costs.

Click here to make your contribution to the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund; select “Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund” as your donation type. You can also mail your donation to:

National Volunteer Fire Council
712 H Street, NE, Suite 1478
Washington, DC 20002

Applying for Assistance

Volunteer first responders whose homes have been impacted by a state- or federally-declared disaster or fire can apply for assistance through the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund. The Fund provides a $350 stipend to help these individuals meet basic needs in the aftermath of a disaster or fire, as funds allow.

To qualify for a stipend through the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an NVFC member or a member of an NVFC affiliated state association at the time of the incident
• Be an active volunteer firefighter, rescue worker, or EMS provider
• Live (have your primary residence) in a state- or federally-declared disaster area or have suffered home damage due to fire
  • In the instance of a home fire, the applicant must certify that there were no intentional acts of arson or fraud and that there were working smoke alarms in the residence placed according to code.
• Have incurred an uninsurable loss in excess of $5,000 (only applies to the state or federally declared disaster, not to the personal fire loss).
• Applications must be received by the NVFC within 60 days after the incident occurred.

All applications are reviewed by the NVFC Director from the applicant’s state fire association. The NVFC may also contact your department’s chief for approval of the application.

If it is determined that there was impropriety, fraud, or arson, or that any information submitted on the application is intentionally false or misleading, the NVFC reserves the right to seek the return of the stipend.

Click here to apply for assistance.

View federal disaster declarations.