Five Volunteer Fire Departments Awarded $5,000 Grants Through 2025 Nutella® “Stacks for Giving Back” Program
August 5, 2025
$25,000 in grants and 150 pancake breakfast kits donated through a partnership between Nutella® and the NVFC
In the second year of its “Stacks for Giving Back” initiative, Nutella® once again teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to recognize and support the hardworking volunteer firefighters who keep their communities safe. As part of the program, $25,000 in fire department grants are being awarded to five volunteer fire departments.
To be eligible to apply for a grant, departments had to be over 50% volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be located in the U.S., and the individual applying or department chief had to be a member of the NVFC. In addition to these monetary grants, members of the public could nominate their local fire department to receive a pancake breakfast kit from Nutella® to help them host their next fundraising event. 150 departments were selected to receive a kit, which included the supplies and ingredients to hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser in their community. The campaign also included a special fundraising effort at the Nutella® Café in Chicago, with proceeds benefiting the NVFC’s Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund.
“Nutella’s Stacks for Giving Back program has been a powerful force for good in the fire service,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “This initiative directly supports the men and women who give their time and energy to protect their neighbors. By enhancing safety, readiness, and overall effectiveness, these grants make a meaningful and lasting difference for volunteer departments operating with limited resources.”
The five volunteer fire departments that were selected to receive a $5,000 grant through the Nutella® Stacks for Giving Back program are: Cleveland (AL) Fire Department; Landis Volunteer Fire Department (Marshall, AR); Sylvarena Volunteer Fire Department (Raleigh, MS); Rutland (OH) Fire Department; and Chili (WI) Fremont Fire and Rescue. Learn about each recipient below.
Cleveland Fire Department
With 15 volunteers covering a 12-square-mile area, Cleveland (AL) Fire Department responds to roughly 700 calls each year. The department’s limited funding comes primarily from donations and monthly water bill contributions.
With the $5,000 grant, they will replace aging hoses that frequently fail testing, add vital tools like extrication saws, and purchase hydrant bags and wrenches. Assistant Chief David Hackworth said the new equipment will “significantly enhance our operations and firefighter safety during fireground and crash responses.”
Landis Volunteer Fire Department
Serving a rural community of 600 across 300 square miles, Landis Volunteer Fire Department (Marshall, AR) responds mostly to medical calls, often involving residents aged 50 and older. The department’s aging SCBA regulators have raised safety concerns. With the grant, the department will purchase four new regulators to better protect their 19 volunteers.
Treasurer Lucinda Rolen noted, “Confidence in working equipment gives our firefighters peace of mind when entering dangerous situations. This grant brings us one step closer to ensuring everyone goes home safely.”
Sylvarena Volunteer Fire Department
Sylvarena Volunteer Fire Department covers 201 square miles of Mississippi farmland, oil wells, natural gas substations, and poultry farms. With only $5,500 in annual revenue, the department has struggled to afford basic tools.
The $5,000 grant will fund lighting and cutting equipment and two foam units used for vehicle and equipment fires. “Every minute counts in an emergency,” said Chief Bryan Walters. “This equipment will help us respond more effectively and keep our members safer on scene.”
Rutland Fire Department
Operating out of a small village in southeast Ohio, Rutland Fire Department responds to structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, brush fires, and water rescues across 42 square miles. The 32-member all-volunteer department is a key mutual aid provider for neighboring areas.
The grant will be used to purchase battery-powered lighting, chargers, and overhaul tools. Assistant Chief Danny Davis explained, “Lighting is a critical need for us, especially during water rescues and MVAs. This equipment will greatly enhance responder safety and speed of operations.”
Chili Fremont Fire and Rescue
Chili Fremont Fire and Rescue serves a population of just over 1,300 in rural Wisconsin. With a flat $22,500 annual budget that hasn’t increased in over a decade, the department relies heavily on volunteers and fundraising.
The grant will fund modern vehicle stabilization tools like struts and quick-deploy cribbing blocks. “These tools are designed for fast, safe operation by a small crew,” said Captain Alex Lendved. “They will greatly improve our ability to manage rescue scenes, especially when help is limited and time is critical.”
About Nutella®
Nutella was born in 1964. The unique hazelnut spread that millions of people around the world love is made with a meticulous selection of high-quality ingredients and an exacting, artisan-inspired production. Today, the popular hazelnut spread is available in around 160 countries worldwide and has been sold for 60 years.
About Ferrero
Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella®, Kinder®, Tic Tac®, and Ferrero Rocher®. More than 38,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life’s special moments. The Ferrero Group’s family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate.
Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,100 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger®, CRUNCH®, Keebler®, Famous Amos®, Mother’s Cookies®, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on X and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com
About the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
The NVFC is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
