Leadership Development and Decision Making Grant
🏛 OSFM
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jul 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for fire service personnel seeking leadership and decision-making training across three career levels.
Firefighters, fire officers, and chief officers in Illinois are eligible. Training focuses on seven consistent Lines of Education specific to each rank level.
Organizations or agencies must administer fire service training programs. Participants must be actively employed or affiliated with fire services.
Training is delivered through the Illinois OSFM via the state's GATA Catalog. Enrollment is limited to personnel meeting rank-specific prerequisites.
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Program description
The Leadership Development and Decision Making Program is designed to be “cradle-to-grave” fire service leadership development/decision-making training and education continuum that has consistent themes, priorities, and lines of education in order to institutionalize the highest-quality leadership in the fire service. Training is provided for three standard fire service levels; firefighter, fire officer and chief officer. Each level within the LDDM Program is provided relevant opportunities for development, which are specific to their rank across seven common Lines of Education (LOE) Administered by the OSFM via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 592-00-3661).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Active employment verification from fire service agency
- Application form (via Illinois GATA system)
- Rank confirmation and personnel file
- Organizational endorsement or nomination
Program contact
- 👤 Ronny Wickenhauser
- 📧 Ronny.J.Wickenhauser@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-558-0577
FAQ
Who can apply for this training program?
Active firefighters, fire officers, and chief officers in Illinois. Participants must be employed by or affiliated with a fire service organization.
What does the grant cover?
Leadership development and decision-making training across three fire service levels. Training follows seven Lines of Education specific to each rank.
When is the deadline?
July 31, 2026. Specific application windows vary by program cycle.
Is this competitive?
Funding is $160,000 total. Admission follows rank-level prerequisites and organizational affiliation requirements.
Where is training delivered?
Through the Illinois OSFM via the state GATA Catalog. Training is specific to Illinois fire service personnel.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your rank and which Line of Education aligns with your career development goals before applying.
- Contact your fire service agency's leadership to verify your eligibility and endorsement for the program.
- Submit applications early; training slots may fill quickly given the $160,000 annual funding cap.
- Emphasize how the training supports your agency's operational goals and succession planning.
- Review all seven Lines of Education to identify the most relevant training tracks for your level.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirming active employment in Illinois fire service. Selecting a Line of Education mismatched to your current rank level. Failing to secure organizational endorsement before enrollment.
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