State Farm® Named a Finalist for U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2026 Citizens Awards for the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program
September 22, 2026
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation named State Farm® a finalist in the 2026 Citizens Awards, a long-standing program that honors businesses for their leadership in solving the world’s biggest challenges. State Farm was nominated in the Best Community Improvement Program for its support of volunteer fire departments through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).
Eighty-two percent of U.S. fire departments are comprised entirely or mostly of volunteer firefighters. Many of these departments operate on limited budgets that leave them struggling to fund equipment that enables them to more effectively and safely do their jobs. Recognizing this need, State Farm and the NVFC annually team up to provide local volunteer fire departments with $10,000 grants to purchase equipment and gear that will help them better protect their communities and enhance firefighter safety. Since the program began in 2024, a total of $4 million has been distributed to support volunteer fire departments with their equipment needs.
“The NVFC is proud to partner with State Farm to ensure our boots on the ground firefighters have the equipment and resources they need to safely and effectively serve their neighbors,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “We are excited to see the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program receive recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as an exemplary way for a company to make a significant public impact. By supporting volunteer fire departments – the ultimate good neighbor – State Farm is helping to build stronger, safer, and better prepared communities.”
“At State Farm, we are committed to supporting safer and stronger communities,” said Rasheed Merritt, State Farm HR&D Exec-Corp Responsibility. “We are honored that our support of volunteer fire departments has been recognized as a finalist for Best Community Improvement Program.”
The 2026 Citizens Awards program recognizes the most innovative and impactful initiatives that leverage a company’s talent, resources, and expertise to improve communities. The winners of the 2026 Citizens Awards will be announced during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Solves Conference on October 27-28. Learn more about the awards program here.
About State Farm
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,200 agent offices and 65,000 employees serve over 96 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 36 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities – today and tomorrow.
