How much funding does IFCA Foundation Annual Scholarship Program provide?

IFCA Foundation Annual Scholarship Program provides $66,000 total awarded annually (approximately $850-1,100 per award based on historical data) in funding.

When is the deadline for IFCA Foundation Annual Scholarship Program?

The funder has not published the next deadline; based on past cycles it is expected around March.

How often is IFCA Foundation Annual Scholarship Program offered?

IFCA Foundation Annual Scholarship Program has 2 deadlines a year: January 1, March 15. The next deadline is expected March 15, 2027.

IFCA Foundation Annual Scholarship Program

Illinois Fire Chiefs Association

Foundation Annual Grants for Fire Departments Grants for Education Workforce Development Grants

Funding Amount

$66,000 total awarded annually (approximately $850-1,100 per award based on historical data)

Deadline

Expected ~March

Based on past cycles

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Twice a year
Current deadline: March 15, 2027
Tracked since: April 2026

Deadlines each year: January 1 · March 15

From the program guidelines: “Application Period: January 1 - March 15 (annually)”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Not eligible / not funded

Not eligible: Incomplete Applications: Will not be considered

Overview

Funder: Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Educational and Research Foundation (IFCERF)

Geographic Scope: Illinois

Program Description: The IFCA Foundation Awards scholarships designed to permit individuals within the State of Illinois to further their formal education, certification and training through attendance at approved courses. The program began in 1983 with memorial gifts dedicated in honor of deceased Fire Service personnel and those supportive of the Fire Service.

Award Categories:

College Level (Fire Service related fields at institutions of higher learning)
Fire Officer Certification (OSFM approved)
Fire Service Training (OSFM approved certifications)

Funding Sources:

Individual donations
Organizational and business donations
IFCA Foundation Golf Outing & Raffle proceeds
Memorial gifts

Historical Performance:

1983 (first year): 7 scholarships awarded, $4,400 total, 34 applicants
2025: 77 scholarships awarded, $66,000 total, 145 applicants
Total since 1983: $2,239,225 awarded, 2,994 scholarships to 6,777 applicants

Eligibility: Individuals within Illinois seeking to further formal education, certification, and training in fire service-related fields

Program Administration:

Application Period: January 1 - March 15 (annually)
Scholarship Committee reviews applications and develops guidelines
Guidelines approved by full Board of Directors
Online application platform
Scholarship recipients notified in early May

Contact:

Phone: 847.966.0732
Email: info@illinoisfirechiefs.org

How to Apply

Application Process

Timeline:

Application Period Opens: January 1
Application Period Closes: March 15 (before midnight)
Recipients Notified: Early May

How to Apply:

Access online application portal on IFCA website (opens January 1)
Create username and password
Complete online application form
Submit before March 15 deadline

Technical Support:

If you have issues logging in to existing application, clear your browser cache
Instructions provided for: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera, Android browsers, and Microsoft Edge
Contact IFCA office if additional support needed

Required Materials: