Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational & Research Foundation
The Illinois Fire Chief Educational and Research Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and/or scientific research purposes Annual scholarships are provided to members of the fire service to continue their professional development.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
The Foundation is committed to providing the highest quality education, training, educational financial support, and administrative services for the Illinois Fire Service. Our Vision, Mission, and Values are expressed as:
Mission - Why we exist and why our work is important.
- Prepare the Illinois Fire Service with the knowledge, skills, research, and educational financial support needed to serve their community.
Vision - Our focus and attention centers on this statement to achieve our Mission.
- Be a leader in fire service education, training, and research, providing the Illinois Fire Service with the best possible learning experiences needed to excel.
Values - We hold these principles as our interpersonal and professional service charter with each other and our operations. This is how we will do our work and our promise to the fire service we serve.
· Professional Growth
· Role Modeling
· Innovation
· Mentorship
· Effort
A Message from Foundation President Chief JP. Moore (ret)
Welcome Message
Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Educational & Research Foundation
On behalf of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational and Research Foundation, I am pleased to welcome you to our website.
Whether you are seeking information on training opportunities, scholarships, funding programs, or fundraising initiatives, the members of the Foundation Board and I are committed to supporting you.
Our Board of 17 dedicated professionals works to advance the fire service through education, research, and leadership development. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or inquiries—we are here to assist you.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, incorporated on December 20, 1978, and subsequently amended on May 20, 1980; May 11, 2007; and January 12, 2023. The Foundation operates in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois and remains dedicated to strengthening the fire service through education and innovation.
Our Core Programs and Services
The Educational and Research Foundation’s primary initiatives include:
Training and Certification Programs
We offer a variety of professional development and certification courses, including:
- Company Fire Officer
- Advanced Fire Officer
- Chief Fire Officer
- Instructor I
- Instructor II
- Training Program Manager
These programs are designed to enhance leadership, technical expertise, and operational effectiveness within the fire service.
Funding Opportunities
Annual Scholarship Program
- Conducted each year from January 1 through March 15, this program provides financial assistance to fire service personnel pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational education, as well as fire and EMS training and other professional development opportunities.
Research Grants
- Supporting the advancement of fire service leadership and administration, these grants fund research and development in areas such as managerial systems, personnel development, education, and training.
Training Grants
- Funding for seminars, workshops, and mini-symposiums addressing current and emerging issues within the fire service.
Board Meetings and Grant Requests
The Foundation Board meets on the third Thursday of odd-numbered months. To ensure adequate review and consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit grant funding requests at least three months in advance of the desired funding date.
Thank you for your interest in the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational and Research Foundation. We are proud to support the ongoing development and excellence of the fire service community.
Chief JP. Moore
President
Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational Research Foundation
IFCA Major Donors
Bensenville Firemen’s Association
The Bensenville Firemen’s Association began a group of volunteers, dedicated to protecting their community. In about 1950, the group built a fire hall next to the fire station. This hall was the site of many community events. As the volunteers dwindled the hall was rented to the community for special events. In 1992, the members of the Association established a trust to take care of the building. Over years, the hall became to expensive to maintain and difficult to sustain rentals. In 2025, the remaining members chose to disband the Bensenville Firemen’s Association. As defined in the trust, the remaining proceeds of the Association were given to the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Educational and Research Foundation. The hope is that these funds may be used to help volunteer firefighters in Illinois through the mission of the Foundation.
The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation
The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation, established in 1947, is a philanthropic foundation that carries forward Dan and Ada’s commitment to charitable giving. For decades the Rice Foundation has been a significant benefactor to a wide array of institutions, especially in the Chicago area. The Foundation serves as a perpetual philanthropic legacy of the Rices, reflecting the broad interests and big hearts of Dan and Ada. Their foresight in endowing the foundation means that, well into the 21st century, causes they believed in continue to flourish. The Rice Foundation has generously supported the Chief Fire Officer Program through the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational and Research Foundation. Offering scholarships to defray part of the tuition cost for students who would otherwise need to pay their own way, the Rice Foundation is helping Chief Fire Officers gain the education needed to help protect their communities. For more information on the Rice Foundation, click here.
