The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Educational and Research Foundation was established in 1978 by the Illinois Fire Chiefs' Association for the identification, investigation, and problem solving of fire related matters within the State. Specifically, this Foundation was created to conduct and support research into technical, life safety, and scientific problems confronting the Fire Service; research and develop managerial and personnel systems; conduct training and educational programs for governmental and fire service entities; and, provide scholarships and grants to students, educational institutions, and municipal fire departments for undergraduate, post-graduate, and vocational education and training within the field of the Fire Service. As a "not-for-profit" corporation, the Foundation 'is funded by individuals, corporate gifts, and the Fire Service of the State of Illinois.

In 1978, the Scholarship Program of this Foundation was started. This program began with memorial gifts dedicated in honor of deceased Fire Service personnel and those supportive of the Fire Service. They were designed as a vehicle for expressing a lasting and continuing remembrance of loved ones that will have long lasting returns through the education and training of these future Fire Service leaders within the State. Scholarships are designed to permit individuals within the State to further their formal education and certification through attendance at approved courses designed for this specific purpose.

Scholarships are awarded in three distinct categories, college courses, certification courses, and other specialized courses that meet specific guidelines. Scholarships for college courses are designed to be utilized for attendance at institutions of higher learning in Fire Service related fields. Scholarships for certification courses are designed to be utilized in attendance at Fire Officer and Fire Prevention Officer certification courses sponsored by the Foundation. An individual may also apply for grants-in-aid for attendance at other types of educational learning experiences, provided the course meets the strict criteria set by the Foundation. Guidelines for the program are prepared by the Scholarship Committee of the Foundation, which consists of Fire Service professionals from across the State. These guidelines are then approved by the full Board of Directors of the Foundation.

The Scholarship Selection Committee is comprised of individuals well versed in the intent of this program, but, who themselves have no official Fire Service connection. The selection committee is comprised of a representative from an educational discipline, the business community, and the insurance industry. This committee is assisted and guided by the Executive Director of the Foundation and the Scholarship Chairman.

Once the purpose of this program was agreed upon, the next step was to raise the necessary monies. This is done through a variety of methods such as raffles, a Fire Service "Flea Market," and proceeds from training programs conducted by the Foundation. Initial efforts took approximately five years to meet the necessary needs. As these activities took place, an additional goal was to involve as many of the State Fire Service groups as possible. Although the first programs were completely funded by the Foundation, as time went on many other State and regional groups became involved, through the "Matching Grants" section of the overall program.

In 1983, the first year of grants, the Foundation awarded seven scholarships, totaling $4, 400.00. There were thirty-four applicants for these grants. In subsequent years, these numbers have grown, as follows:

Year:	Amounts Given:	Number:	Applicants:
1983	$ 4, 400.00	7	34
1984	$ 5, 100.00	9	43
1985	$11, 100.00	17	56
1986	$14, 000.00	30	56
1987	$18, 400.00	32	85
1988	$22, 800.00	37	66
1989	$22, 800.00	38	64
1990	$25, 600.00	39	91

A key element in the success of this program is the involvement of other State Fire Service Associations. This involvement comes, from not only personal donations, but also in the form of donations to the "Matching Grants" section of the overall scholarship program. In this program, the Foundation matches all such earmarked donations with an equal amount to the program, up to $1, 000.00, with certain restrictions. Donations less than $250.00 are placed in the general scholarship fund, but those exceeding this amount may be matched, if the donor so desires. The donor may then elect to name the scholarship for any individual/organization as desired. Donations, not a part of the "Matching Grants" section, exceeding $500.00 may also be named by the donor. All monies that are part of the "Matching Grants" section are subject to the approval of the Foundation Board of Directors.

The most successful aspect of this worthwhile program has been the "Matching Grants" section. Through this program, the Foundation has united the efforts of over ten local and statewide Fire Service organizations to support further educational efforts. These continued efforts have served to better the Fire Service of Illinois, through formal education and approved certification. The Foundation has now achieved certified Fire Officers I, II, and III, and advanced degrees in formal education from the recipients of over 150 scholarships, valued at approximately $100, 000.00, in the first eight years of offering. Interestingly, the first recipient of a scholarship, a firefighter, is now the Chief of his Fire Department. All of this has been made possible through the efforts of the Fire Service of Illinois, working towards a common goal — the professionalization of the Fire Service through education. •

February 1991 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 17