Loans and Grants

Pennsylvania makes financial assistance programs available to the state’s volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue organizations to help them improve and enhance their capabilities to provide firefighting, ambulance and rescue services.

Volunteer Loan Assistance Program
The Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) provides low interest loans to volunteer fire companies, ambulance services and rescue squads for the purpose of purchasing and modernizing apparatus, facilities and equipment. Forms and informational materials are available to interested organizations. OSFC staff provides technical assistance and regulatory guidance to applicants; receives, analyzes and approves loan applications; supplies loan closing services; maintains financial and historical files and services all accounts until they are closed.

Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program
The Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program (VFCVASGP) makes an annual grant program available for volunteer fire companies, ambulance services and rescue squads. Beginning in September of each year the program provides grant eligibility information and makes an on-line grant application available for all eligible applicants. Based on applicant and project criteria, staff reviews and approves or disapproves all applications, processes signed grant agreements and authorizes dispersal of grant funds. Final grant reports are reviewed for compliance with project description and program guidelines.