Illinois OSFM Small Equipment Grant

Your department knows which equipment needs replacing. The harder part is finding room in the budget. The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal's Small Equipment Grant can help eligible fire departments and ambulance services purchase needed equipment. Shop Darley helps you turn that equipment list into an itemized quote, then plan the purchase if you receive an award.

• About the grant
• Eligibility
• Equipment & tiers
• How to apply
• How Darley helps
• After an award
• FAQ

What Is the Illinois Small Equipment Grant?

This is a competitive, state-funded program for small firefighting and ambulance equipment. OSFM administers the grant and selects recipients. Darley supplies equipment and quote support; requesting a quote does not submit a grant application.

The FY2027 funding opportunity lists $6 million available statewide and an individual award ceiling of $50,000. The maximum increased from $26,000 under rule amendments effective August 1, 2026. An award is not guaranteed, and the amount approved may differ from the amount requested.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants can include Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts, township fire departments, and qualifying stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance services. Organizational status matters: a volunteer department is not automatically eligible just because it provides fire protection.

The program rules exclude fire protection entities that are not units of local government and for-profit ambulance or EMS services. Special provisions apply to local governments that contract for services. If your organization or service arrangement is unusual, confirm eligibility with OSFM before preparing the application.

• Check SAM.gov. OSFM requires a current, full registration.
• Check the Illinois Grantee Portal. Confirm your GATA registration and qualified status, along with your organization's own FEIN.
• Check incident-reporting compliance. For this round, OSFM identifies October 2024 through September 2026 as the NFIRS/NERIS compliance period for applicants required to report. Use its published compliance lists.
• Resolve questions early. Newly assigned FDID departments should ask OSFM how the reporting exception in the program rules applies to them.

SAM.gov  |  Illinois Grantee Portal  |  OSFM reporting compliance links

Start with the Equipment Tier List

OSFM gives Tier 1 equipment priority. It states that equipment outside Tier 1 will not be considered until all Tier 1 items have been funded. Use the September 2026 Tier 1 and Tier 2 list to classify each item before building the budget.

These Shop Darley categories contain examples from Tier 1. A category link does not mean every product in it qualifies or has the same priority. OSFM determines the treatment of the specific items you request.

• 
  Tier 1 examples

  Turnout Gear & PPE

  Turnout coats, pants, helmets, boots, gloves, and hoods appear on the Tier 1 list. Send sizes, quantities, and the specifications your department needs.

• 
  Tier 1 examples

  Thermal Imaging Cameras

  Thermal imaging cameras are listed in Tier 1. Tell us whether the camera will support search, fire attack, overhaul, or another department need.

• 
  Tier 1 examples

  Rescue & Extrication Tools

  Extrication tools, air lifting bags, and cribbing are among the Tier 1 vehicle-rescue items. Other rescue equipment may fall under a different tier.

• 
  Tier 1 examples

  Nozzles & Appliances

  Fire nozzles and appliances are Tier 1 examples. Include connection sizes and operating requirements so the quote fits your existing equipment.

• 
  Tier 1 examples

  Gear Washing & Drying

  Turnout gear washers, dryers, and bases are Tier 1 items. Soap, chemicals, installation, and other costs can be classified differently; break them out in the budget.

• 
  Tier 1 examples

  EMS Emergency Equipment

  AEDs, backboards, portable suction units, and stair chairs are among the Tier 1 EMS examples. Match each requested item to the current state list.

How to Apply for the FY2027 Round

Complete both applications. OSFM says submitting only one makes an applicant ineligible. Both must be filed electronically by the deadline; paper submissions are not accepted.

1. Confirm eligibility and registrations. Review the current announcement, reporting status, and organizational requirements.
2. Build the equipment budget. Identify the need, check the tier list, and obtain itemized pricing and product specifications.
3. Complete the State Uniform Grant Application. Use the Euna Grants/AmpliFund link on OSFM's current program page.
4. Complete the separate OSFM application. Submit the Small Equipment Grant form too, then save submission confirmations for your records.

Open the official page for both application links and budget instructions. Start there so you use the links OSFM currently provides.

For program or OSFM form questions, the published contact is Roger Branson at 217-785-4717 or Roger.D.Branson@illinois.gov. For equipment pricing and specifications, contact Darley.

Explain the Need Behind the Equipment

Program review considers equipment need and financial need. Explain what your department has now, why it cannot meet the need through existing equipment or sustainable sharing arrangements, and how the requested items would improve operations or public safety. Support the request with your department's actual budget and service information.

A useful equipment list connects each purchase to a problem. Instead of only naming a tool, describe the capability your crew needs and the quantity required. Darley can help document the product and price; your department supplies the operational need and financial information.

How Shop Darley Helps

Plan the Purchase Around Your Award

• Follow the award letter and agreement. Confirm the eligible purchasing period, approved items, and payment arrangements before ordering.
• Allow for costs beyond the award. The FY2027 notice lists cash and in-kind match percentages at 0%. Confirm budget requirements with OSFM and plan for any costs the award does not cover.
• Verify lead times. Check availability before committing to your department's order and delivery schedule.
• Keep the records. Retain quotes, paid invoices, delivery records, and the documentation OSFM requires for the final expenditure report.

The rules allow advance payment for part or all of an approved purchase and provide for funds to be distributed after the grant agreement is executed. Confirm the arrangements for your award rather than assuming every purchase follows the same payment process.

Illinois Small Equipment Grant FAQ

Looking for other funding? See all fire department grant programs or explore AFG equipment and quote support.

Program requirements and deadlines can change. Confirm current eligibility, equipment tiers, purchasing rules, and reporting requirements with the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal. Shop Darley does not administer the grant and cannot guarantee eligibility, funding, or reimbursement. Last reviewed November 2, 2026.