IFCA Foundation Grant Program

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

Geographic Scope: Illinois

Program Description: The Foundation awards grants that support Illinois Fire and EMS organizations with education and research which ultimately benefits Illinois citizens. The Foundation prioritizes grants that result in the widest range of benefit.

Types of Grants:

• Research Grants - Support research initiatives
• Educational Grants - Support educational programs and initiatives
• Management or Technical Assistance Grants - Support management improvements or technical assistance
• Project Initiating Grants - Support initiation of new projects
• In-Kind Grants - Non-monetary support

Funding Priorities:

• Grants with widest range of benefit receive priority
• County or statewide programs reaching many organizations preferred over individual department or city programs
• Programs benefiting multiple fire and EMS organizations favored

Eligibility: Illinois Fire and EMS organizations

Review Process:

• Foundation Board meets third Thursday of every other month: January, March, May, July, September, November
• Grant requests must be received at least two weeks prior to scheduled meeting for consideration
• Complete applications only; incomplete applications not considered
• Approvals and denials communicated in writing

Grant Requirements:

• Final report required upon program completion detailing program success
• Credit must be given to Foundation: name and logo must appear on all programs, ads, and displays
• Foundation maintains contact with recipients to ensure intended purpose followed

Contact:

• Director: Cynthia Leighton
• Phone: 847.966.0732 (IFCA main office)
• Email: info@illinoisfirechiefs.org

Application Process

Submission Timeline:

• Grant requests must be received at least two weeks prior to a regularly scheduled Foundation Board meeting
• Board meets: January, March, May, July, September, November (third Thursday of each month)

Application Requirements:

1. Submit complete applications only - incomplete applications will not be considered
2. Use Foundation's Grant Policy and Application document (available from Foundation)
3. Clearly identify grant type (Research, Educational, Management/Technical Assistance, Project Initiating, or In-Kind)
4. Demonstrate how grant supports education and research benefiting Illinois citizens
5. Explain range of benefit and impact on multiple organizations if applicable

Application Materials:

• Refer to Foundation's Grant Policy and Application document for detailed requirements
• Document should outline all grant types and grant making process

Contact for Application Materials:

• Director: Cynthia Leighton
• Email: info@illinoisfirechiefs.org