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Firefighter Cancer Screening Grant Program

Funding Cancer Screenings for Virginia's Career Firefighters
Applications are accepted Bi- annually by January 1 or July 1

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Firefighter Cancer Screening Grant Program

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The Firefighter Cancer Screening Grant Program provides funds to Virginia localities to screen career firefighters for cancer.

Grants are awarded by the Virginia Fire Services Board (VFSB) based on evaluations and recommendations from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

Who Is Eligible

Independent cities, counties, and towns incorporated within a county that have a qualifying fire department or fire company, as defined in §§ 27-6.01 and 27-6.02, Code of Virginia.

  • Funds may only be used to screen career firefighters.
  • A locality may receive no more than one award per grant cycle.

Funding

Awarded localities receive up to $350 per career firefighter included in the completed application. Funds may not be used for any purpose other than screening career firefighters for cancer.

What Is Cancer Screening?

Cancer screening is the process of testing people who do not have symptoms to look for signs of cancer or precancerous changes. Screenings may include, but are not limited to, mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans, and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests.

How to Apply

Submit a completed application with the following supporting documentation:

  • Any quotes or price information
  • The number of career firefighters the locality will screen
  • Certification that the locality can provide the aggregate data required for reporting

Incomplete submissions will not be considered for review.

Deadlines: As funding is available each fiscal year, applications are reviewed twice a year and must be postmarked or submitted by January 1 or July 1.

Review Cancer Screening Policy 2026

Download Cancer Screening Application

Email: grants@vdfp.virginia.gov

Mail:
Grants Unit
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
1005 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500

 

FAQs for Firefighter Cancer Screening Grant

  • The Virginia Fire Services Board determines awards based on evaluations and recommendations from VDFP. Applications are evaluated on:

    • A contract or other document verifying that the cancer screening provider can meet the program requirements
    • Number of career firefighters involved
    • Previous grants for cancer screening
    • Proper application
    • Timeliness of application
    • Impact if the grant is not awarded
    • Demonstrated need

    VDFP reserves the right to verify any information provided in the application.

  • Grants are paid as a reimbursement after the locality submits a closeout package. The package must include an after-action report, proof of payment (invoices or receipts), and supporting documentation.

    A locality that demonstrates financial hardship may be authorized for immediate disbursement with approval from the Virginia Fire Services Board. The justification must be included with the initial application.

    Disbursements are made by electronic transfer (EFT).

  • Grant projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving an award.

    A written report is due to VDFP within 30 days of the end of the 12-month cycle. It must describe:

    • The use of the funds and their benefit to fire service agencies and firefighter health and wellness
    • Aggregate demographics of the firefighters screened: age, years of service, and gender
    • Whether any screening resulted in a referral for additional testing or treatment, and the type of cancer if so

    Unexpended funds, including accrued interest, must be returned to VDFP within 30 calendar days of the end of the grant term. Checks must be made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and sent to VDFP, not to the Treasurer's Office.

    Localities must keep fiscal records for at least five years after the last transfer of award funds. Records are subject to audit.

Contact Us

For any questions about the Firefighter Cancer Screening Grant Program, please submit a Contact Us Inquiry or send an email to grants@vdfp.virginia.gov.