Chris Balkema, Illinois State Senator for 53rd District | Facebook
Chris Balkema, Illinois State Senator for 53rd District | Facebook
The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has opened the application period for its Small Equipment Grant Program. The initiative provides grants of up to $26,000 to fire departments and ambulance services throughout Illinois for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This year, a total of $6 million is available for eligible organizations.
According to the OSFM, "These grants are used to help fire departments and ambulance services purchase small tools and equipment." Most fire departments, fire protection districts, township fire departments, and stand-alone not-for-profit ambulance service providers in Illinois are eligible to apply.
Applications must be submitted online by November 14, 2025. More information about the program and access to the application can be found at OSFM Grants & Loans.
In the previous grant cycle, $4 million was distributed among 178 fire departments, districts, and EMS providers across the state.
Chris Balkema was elected as a Republican to represent Illinois' 53rd Senate District in 2025, succeeding Thomas M. Bennett.
Alerts Sign-up