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Over the last two years, 53% of the Mid-South RC&D Council’s General Fund Budget has been used to support local first responder agencies, a majority of which were volunteer fire departments. Come April 1, the Mid-South RC&D Council will open its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Grant Cycle, creating an opportunity for these vital agencies to receive financial support. 

“Mid-South works with eligible organizations like local nonprofits, emergency services, and schools, allowing us to have a broad impact in our service area,” said Katie Smith, Mid-South RC&D Council communications specialist. “At our core, we’re focused on meeting community needs. That’s why we believe in strengthening the protection and safety responses provided to the citizens of Alabama.”

Approximately $611,899 was spread across Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon and Montgomery counties during FY 2024 and FY 2025. Volunteer Fire Departments and other emergency service agencies can use the FY 2026 Grant Cycle as an opportunity to receive funds for needed materials and equipment. 

In Lowndes County, Hicks Hill Volunteer Fire Department established itself in 2009, and progress to equip the station has continued since 2018. Through fundraising and grant money, Hicks Hill has acquired firefighting equipment like a pumper truck, air tanks, radios, turnout gear, and training materials.

The Mid-South RC&D Council wants to continue to work as a financial resource to help local fire departments and other emergency service agencies in Lowndes and Butler County secure needed funds. Both paid and volunteer fire departments in Butler County have received grants from the Mid-South RC&D Council in the past, including Central, City of Greenville, Liberty, Searcy, Shackleville and Providence Mt. Pisgah. In Lowndes County, the Hicks Hill and Burkville volunteer fire departments have received Mid-South grants. 

“We have received grants to support first responders over the years, and we just cannot be more grateful,” said Rosie Till, Butler County Emergency Management Services Director. “Being a smaller jurisdiction, it’s important to have multiple resources for funding, and Mid-South has been pivotal in many projects.”

Generally, volunteer fire department funding can come from local government, fundraising, and grants. Most of it is used to meet operating costs like insurance, utilities and gasoline. Additional fire equipment can cost several thousand dollars depending on the department’s individual needs.

For example, the fire protective equipment worn by the firefighters can cost between $5,000 – $7,000 per person, but that only begins to scratch the surface of the equipment needed for volunteer fire departments to work efficiently and safely.

“[The grant cycle] has let me purchase some turnout gear on this last round that I wouldn’t have been able to [get] because our turnout gear was given to us by another department,” said Central Volunteer Fire Captain Charles Thomas. “So, it was worn out and out of date when we got it.”

If there are any questions about the FY 2026 Grant Cycle, please call Mid-South by dialing (334) 356-1855.