Q. If my fire department has a satellite station, can we apply?
A. Yes. However, you must provide full fire department information for both stations, i.e., total personnel, budget, vehicles, etc.
Q. My fire department is owned by a municipality, can we apply?
A. Yes, if the fire department meets the eligibility criteriA.
Q. What type of equipment is typically not considered for matching funds?
A. Furniture, software, copiers, fax machines, manuals, land purchases, refurbish or upgrades to SCBA's, refurbish vehicles, refurbish communications equipment. Call this office if in doubt.
Q. Are application extensions given?
A. No
Q. Are invoice extensions given?
A. Yes, but only for approved vehicles and building request. The manufacturer or contractor must send this office a notarized letter stating the order date and projected delivery/completion date. The letter must be received by this office by the September 30 deadline date. The extension date is February 15.
**A Thirty (30) day extension (October 30) can be given for protective clothing. A letter requesting an extension must be received by September 30.
Q. If my fire department receives their approved equipment before the September 30 deadline, can I receive the matching funds earlier?
A. Yes, check requests are given to the Controller's Office weekly.
Q. The invoice deadline is approaching, most of the approved equipment has been delivered, but some equipment will not be delivered by September 30, will my fire department lose all of the approved matching funds?
A. No. The equipment that has not been received will be excluded from the approved matching funds.
Q. My fire department was approved for matching funds. What forms are required and when are they due?
A. Prior to receiving your matching funds check, the following forms are required to be submitted to OSFM:
Agreement of Payment Form, Conflict of Interest Statement and the State Grant Certification – No Over Due Tax Debts Form. Your check will not be released without these forms.
After receipt of your matching funds check, the following forms are required to be submitted to the Department of Insurance, Controller’s Office:
State Grants Compliance Report, Program Activities and Accomplishments Report and the State Grant Certification and Sworn Statement. Until these forms are received by our Controller’s office, your fire department will be placed on the State Auditors “suspend funding” report.
The Volunteer Fire Department Fund (Fire Grant) is administered through the Office of State Fire Marshal Grants of the Department of Insurance, 1202 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1202, 919-661-5880. Diane Whitman is the Administrative Officer of the fund.
