Texas County Fire Departments Eligible for Share of $140,000 Grants

Texas County fire departments that serve Black Hills Energy customers are eligible to apply now for Funds for Firefighters grants, with the 2026 application window open March 2 and closing April 10, 2026. Black Hills Energy and the Black Hills Corporation Foundation set aside $140,000 for the program this year, and individual departments may seek up to $2,500 for equipment needs; grant recipients will be notified in mid‑May.

The Funds for Firefighters program returned for a second consecutive year in early March 2026 after a 2025 round that distributed $135,000 through 63 grants to 59 volunteer fire departments or communities. The 2025 awards reached agencies across seven states - Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming and Arkansas - and Nebraska departments received $30,500 of that total.

The 2026 application copy specifies eligibility and restrictions in clear terms: "All volunteer fire departments within Black Hills Energy’s service territory are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $2,500 to purchase firefighting equipment. Please note that operational expenses are not eligible; funding is limited exclusively to equipment needs." Reporting on the 2025 round, however, described assistance to both professional and volunteer departments, a discrepancy between outlets and the 2026 application language; departments should confirm their eligibility on Black Hills Energy’s application page before applying.

Local examples illustrate what the grants fund. In 2025 Amherst Volunteer Fire Department used funds to purchase new SCBA packs; Ansley Fire & Rescue replaced worn grass rig nozzles; Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department bought bunker gear; Ravenna Fire & Rescue purchased portable air quality monitors; Wood River Fire & Rescue secured wildland firefighting hose packs; Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department received funds to outfit new fire trucks with equipment; Ashland Volunteer Fire Department acquired gas detection equipment; and O’Neill Volunteer Fire Department received a $2,100 check as part of the 2025 safety grants.

Kevin Jarosz, vice president of Nebraska and Iowa gas operations, framed the program around local service and workforce contributions. He said, "Safety starts with people - and the courage to serve." He added, "Our volunteer firefighters embody that spirit every day, and we’re proud to stand beside them." Jarosz also noted, "At Black Hills Energy, our mission is to improve life with energy," and he emphasized the program's role in highlighting employees who also serve as volunteer firefighters.

The Funds for Firefighters grants are administered through the Black Hills Corporation Foundation, founded in 2001; the foundation has awarded more than $8.3 million to over 500 organizations across the eight states where Black Hills Energy operates and focuses giving on Thriving Communities, Conservation and Future Leaders. The 2025 awards were announced in connection with National Preparedness Month, underscoring the foundation’s emphasis on readiness and resilience.

To apply, departments should use the Funds for Firefighters application available on Black Hills Energy’s website and note the March 2–April 10 window and the mid‑May notification timeline. Given the equipment-only restriction and the differing descriptions of eligible department types in 2025 reporting versus the 2026 application text, confirm a department’s eligibility on the application page before submitting.