Volunteer Firefighting Grants

The Department of Homeland Security has published the notice for the 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The distribution of grants has been held up by the delayed posting. Typically, fire departments began receiving awards announcements as early as June.   

Many departments, and particularly volunteer departments, fight a continuous and ongoing battle in funding their existence. Shrinking tax bases, poor economies and swings from the budget axe take their toll on all departments daily and have become the norm, instead of an occasional problem area.   

As I sit here in the cold, rainy, unpredictable weather of Connecticut, I cannot help but look forward to the next ‘Cruisin for Solutions’… We had a great week of fun and sun, oh yeah, and we learned quite a bit from each other.  

Last week we looked at fundraising basics, and as promised, this week we will browse through the submissions at VolunteerFD.org to pick out the 'cream of the crop.'  

With this year's AFGP and SAFER grants application periods over, it is time to start planning for next year.  

When I wrote my first article about grants by the numbers, I received a lot of feedback, both positive and negative. I thought I would take a few minutes and address the feedback and provide some clarifications.   

Many departments, particularly volunteer departments, fight a continuous and ongoing battle in funding their existence.  

Gary emailed me to ask about LOSAP programs, their funding, disbursement options and their overall effect on volunteering.   

The first column on length of services award programs (LOSAP) focused on a specific situation and LOSAP plans in general. This column looks at how people have actually put LOSAP plans together, LOSAP resources, and studies that have been done on effectiveness of plans.  

Last year we missed the boat with the SAFER grants. While in 2005 over 20,000 departments applied for an AFG grant, less than 3,000 departments applied for a SAFER grant.  

In Februrary, we did a poll of the users of VolunteerFD.org. The results were impressive, and showed that our members value the service that VolunteeerFD.org provides.   

USDA Rural Development is committed to assisting rural communities prepare for emergencies and the delivery of lifesaving services. Rural Development provides funding through the Rural Emergency Responders Initiative to specifically strengthen the ability of rural communities to respond to local emergencies. Community Facilities program funds are used to support rural emergency responder efforts by financing needed equipment and services.  

What if I told you that for your new capital projects, you could borrow millions with an interest rate under 4.0%? And further, that you would be able to obtain sales tax and mortgage tax savings or exemptions in connection with your capital project?  

The number one reason why AFG applications are denied prior to peer review is failure to follow the rules. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently released 59 pages of instructions in the form of the guidance document, in addition to the regional workshops that were recently completed.   

With the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program application period now closed, it will be fascinating to see the number of applications filed this year. Considering everybody was allowed to apply for a vehicle this time around, the statistics should make interesting reading.   

  

  

  

Competing for grant dollars in the current homeland security climate is both an opportunity and a challenge.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program has provided nearly 5,800 direct assistance awards worth more than $103 million in smaller jurisdictions nationwide. While historically law enforcement agencies have been the largest beneficiary of the program, receiving 72 percent of the awards last year, there are opportunities for fire departments.   

  

Each year a new cycle starts for departments to apply for SAFER Grants — and each year I wonder why more departments do not apply. Applications can begin Tuesday, and the SAFER grants provide funds for increasing staffing either by hiring firefighters or implementing a recruitment and/or retention program.  

For the majority of fire and EMS departments in the United States, the weeks and months subsequent to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant are looked upon as the grant "off-season." But for the assiduous grant writer, the regular season of grant opportunities still lay ahead.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

Most of the grant forums that I read are often focused on federal grant opportunities. While there is no doubt that the federal programs have provided a tremendous amount of funding for public safety agencies, there are other, less known grant programs and foundations. Many are sponsored or administered by insurance companies — and why not?   

  

  

  

With most grant programs becoming more competitive, I've noted more emphasis being placed on applicants providing thorough vulnerability assessments of their area.  

Fourteen-year-old junior firefighter thought to be youngest ever grant writer to ever win an award from the Department of Homeland Security   

  

  

  

IAFC treasurer says current financial crisis will present a challenge that many chiefs have never faced before  

Congressional Fire Services Institute waits to see how historic presidential election may impact firefighters  

  

Well friends, it would appear that another week has come and gone and still no new AFG awards. The 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant began releasing awards back on July 4, and since that time only a trickle of small award rounds has followed.   

  

  

  

New training, equipment makes team of firefighters, specialists ready for any emergency  

  

  

City might not be able to match federal grant to hire firefighters; budget committee asks for delay until state budget cuts are known  

With a new year under way, it's time to figure out what we want the theme of the next 12 months to be. For me, it should be safety.  

  

  

In speaking with fire and EMS agencies about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, there is a great deal of confusion about just how many applications each eligible agency may submit in a given year. Some say one, others two. Very rarely is the correct answer given.   

Congressional plan includes $1B for fire stations, wildland management  

Local matching grants for the SAFER program are waived for 2009 and 2010 appropriations as part of the package approved by Congress  

  

IAFF, IAFC urges members to champion the fire service and work with their governors and local government administrations to get funding   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

An infusion of stimulus money into a 35-year-old federal program may bring new funding opportunities to the fire service. Under the $787 billion economic stimulus package, an additional $1 billion has been added to this year’s Community Development Block Grant program — and your department could be eligible to apply.   

  

Application period scheduled to begin this Wednesday and runs through May 20; $510 million will be distributed to departments  

At any given fire station over the next few weeks, there'll be members working feverishly to complete their department's 2009 AFG application. Unless you have been in this position you can't fully understand what they are going through.   

The financial need element of the AFG narrative typically receives the lowest score each year of the four elements, according to program personnel. I think there are probably three main reasons for this.  

The cost/benefit element of the AFG narrative gives you the opportunity to explain what benefits you will realize in return for the grant funds you receive.  

The last element of the AFG narrative is focused on the beneficial effect receiving this grant will have on your department's daily operations.  

Harold Schaitberger revealed expectations for this year, disappointment in stimulus package during his FDIC speech  

  

Top 3 challenges facing fire departments are lack of budget, old or outdated equipment and staffing issues, according to study  

  

I often visit the forums of VolunteerFD.org and FireRescue1.com to see what other departments and members are thinking — and a post entitled "grant program is unfair to volunteer fire depts" has caught my eye. The author believes that the current program is unfair to volunteers and should be replaced with a lottery. While I'm not sure about a lottery grant process, I decided to research if his points were valid and what could be done.   

Money will be awarded to departments to build new or modify existing stationsto enhance response capabilities, protect communities  

  

  

For the past six months, we have anxiously been awaiting the release of the federal stimulus funding for fire station construction and renovation. On Friday, our wait came to an end with the release of the guidance documents for the Fire Station Construction Grants Program.  

  

The Department of Homeland Security is expecting to receive between 5,000 to 10,000 applications for funding from the Fire Station Construction Grants Program (SCG). It envisions awarding just over 100 grants from the applications that are received.  

If you applied for AFG funding and are told your application is successful, what are the next steps you must follow?  

  

In most aspects, the Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) application is very similar to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) request  

A new thermal-imaging camera will help increase the safety of Winter Park firefighters and people trapped in buildings  

The narrative section of the Fire Station Construction Grant application contains four elements, each of which carry an equal weight for scoring.   

For years the fire service did not have a federal grant program dedicated to funding the critical needs of our departments. Finally, 10 years ago, we were successful and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program was born.  

  

  

  

  

Report claims AFG and SAFER have failed to better protect firefighters and civilians, and urges Congress to scrap the programs  

  

  

  

How can agencies use their technology to best collaborate? How can agencies work together to build a solid infrastructure on which their technologies can operate and through which all agencies can communicate?   

  

  

  

  

  

He was fire chief in Atlanta and Shreveport, La.; making sure grants are being employed effectively is among his priorities  

  

  

  

The ability to instantly notify millions of individuals of a potentially hazardous situation in a matter of minutes through their cell phones sounds incredible and could save countless lives. The drawback to this concept? Large portions of rural areas have no cell service.  

  

According to Denise Schlegel, Supervisory Instructor at NCTC and Grants Consultant with Allutiq, grants are defined as "a negotiation through analysis, skill in problem solving, professionalism through project design and lots of good, old fashioned effort." Most of the effort Denise refers to happens in the preparation for the grant. Defining your organization by taking basic data about your department, the community you serve and trends in call statistics can build the basis for a successful grant application.  

  

  

  

Question: "In order to qualify for a grant, does my fire company have to be really broke? Our company is saving for a new apparatus, but we also need radios because we currently go into burning structures without communication. So would we not qualify if the company already has some radios?"  

  

  

  

  

The problem statement is the key element in every grant proposal. It is the first impression the reviewer will have of your project and funding request. The problem statement or statement of need must make a clear, concise and evidence-supported statement of the problem you are addressing and wanting to solve. It is also most likely the shortest written section in your grant application.  

  

Public safety outreach and fire prevention programs are probably one of the most important, yet overlooked aspects of the fire service today. These programs can and should play a critical role in your agency and in the community that you serve. After all, the prevention or self mitigation of an emergency situation is a win-win situation for all parties involved. Fire prevention and public safety outreach needs to be a year-round and ongoing process that focuses on all hazards, all age groups and all the demographic features of your district. A one week focus out of the year is simply not enough.  

  

The application period for the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Program opened Monday — and $35 million will be allocated for projects that support activities in two broad categories...  

With fires raging out West, lawmakers call the plan ridiculous; the money was going to be spent on 'green job' program for parks  

  

If you are contemplating an application to the 2009 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants program (FP&S), you are about to enter one of the most competitive applications processes for this fiscal year...  

  

The controversial group was awarded funding typically earmarked for fire departments across the country; ACORN is blocked from funds  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

In the past some volunteer departments have stayed away from the SAFER grant application process because they didn't understand the program priorities and the possible benefits that could be derived by their department and its members.  

  

  

What are the alternatives if you are unsuccessful in your SAFER funding request? Now, I don't want to discourage any of you from applying for SAFER funding but I do think that it might be wise to identify a "Plan B" or "what if we don't get funded" plan to increase or maintain your staffing levels.  

The federal money allows the department to immediately hire three firefighters; the Bradford fire station will stay open  

  

  

We've broken down the narrative requirements for both the hiring of firefighters as well as recruiting and retention activities based on the 2009 SAFER Guidance to help you prepare the written portion of your application. Competing for grant dollars in the current economic climate is both an opportunity and a challenge. The narrative is the most important component that can make or break a successful grant application.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced the opening of the Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities — Technical Assistance Grants Application. If your community is faced with hazardous material pipeline issues you should consider applying for this funding opportunity.  

As we look back on the "decade of zeros" itself, statistics show that approximately 1,500 firefighters died in the line of duty. The decade of zeros also saw the beginning of efforts to support fire departments financially, reduce the number of line-of-duty deaths and increase emphasis on training, certification, continuing education and review of incidents.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

When you accepted your AFG grant you agreed to follow certain reporting rules, timelines and procedures.  

President Obama's Fiscal Year 2011 budget request proposes reduction on this year with $305 million earmarked for AFG and SAFER  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Worcester Polytechnic Institute engineers are developing a device that will give firefighters a 20- to 30-second warning  

  

  

  

I was recently discussing how one of my captains was able to meet and talk to the county's grant specialist at a general leadership conference. The very next day, we received an e-mail and grant lead from our new acquaintance. Reaching out to make these relationships can help you uncover new funding opportunities you may have never thought of before.  

  

  

  

ARRA funding has led to a special vehicle and equipment initiative for rural communities that has $600 million available nationwide — but applying as soon as possible is crucial, because funding is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.  

  

For 2010, AFG appropriation has been cut by 30 percent, making the application process even more competitive than before.  

$7.8 million of AFG funding has been earmarked for nonaffiliated, independent EMS agencies. Here's what you need to know to apply.  

With a 30 percent cut in funding from previous years, this program will be even more competitive than in the past. Here's a handy list of what you should cover in your application to make sure it goes through the review process smoothly.  

  

  

  

Here's a breakdown of what the wellness and fitness category covers and what you need to include in your application.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

A major development would fund both the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program at $420 million.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

If you want to write a grant for fitness equipment, you need to focus on training and responder health and safety.  

  

  

  

  

The Congressional Fire Services Institute has put together a six minute video that can be used to educate elected officials on the importance of AFG and SAFER funding  

  

  

Start by determining how the appropriate NFPA standard applies to your department.  

  

It seems as though just yesterday SAFER 2009 closed, peer review was conducted, grants were awarded and those dreaded "Dear John" letters went out, but the SAFER 2010 process has popped out of nowhere and is now upon us.  

  

  

One of the aspects of the SAFER grant least applied for are projects under the recruiting and retention application. Why not give back to those members who volunteer their time and energy to the department, or provide them with some form of incentive to remain with the agency?  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The grant will provide for the hiring of six firefighter II positions and five apparatus engineers, the crew members that drive the fire engines  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) process is approaching us quickly for 2011. While the fire service is the main focus, AFG allocates two percent of the available funding to "non-affiliated", "EMS only" agencies.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

If you're planning to apply for FP&S, make sure you know how you should focus your application and what types of projects get funded.  

If you haven't done your homework, completed your pre-planning and reviewed this year's guidance, then you are already behind the eight ball. From new changes to key topics, here's what you need to know as you start your application.  

The chief was killed when the vintage 1960's off-road vehicle he was driving rolled down a steep slope, pinning him  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The SAFER grant will allow four firefighters to staff each fire apparatus; currently, 66 percent of all calls have only three  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Areas worst hit by wildfires received only small portion of more than $128 million the state awarded to volunteer depts  

  

More wildfires are expected this week as the weather shifts again to hot, dry, and windy — meaning delay could have implications  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Once again we find ourselves in a situation where fire service-related programs are under attack as Congress begins the 2012 Federal Budget process.   

  

  

  

  

  

Be sure to explore all of possibilities and make sure that the opportunities fit with your agency's budget and needs  

  

This year's program also features a number of critical changes from previous years applications. If you were simply thinking of dusting off last year's rejected project and resubmitting it, you need to reconsider your plans.  

  

The department will buy 200 new radios and upgrade 65 others as part of a $1.4 million regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The Banning Fire Department had submitted a grant application to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians totaling $823,331  

AFG has released a series of helpful hints to get your department ready for this year's 2011 program. There are a lot of changes to the application and some new requirements depending on the project being prioritized.  

This year's grant application narrative requirements are different from previous years, so be sure to read the Narrative Assistance Guide that FEMA has put together. This year there are five narrative components required in five different sections in the application as opposed to years past with four components in a single narrative section.  

We often might get so caught up in attempting to acquire equipment, vehicles, and new buildings that we don't consider the cost of training. Any cost that this training might create should be included in your request and cost breakdown in your application.  

A $2.2 million SAFER grant approved last year provided enough money to fund jobs through 2012 for nine firefighters who would have been laid off  

It is that magical time of year again when departments start frantically working on their grant applications. Although the application date has not been announced yet for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), it is due very soon.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The 2011 AFG process features a number of changes from previous programs. I detailed the changes related to this year's application process in my previous column. This column will focus on changes to the actual program activities for 2011.  

In this time of heightened alertness and an increase of unknown situations, there seems to be an increasing need for early detection of the risks and hazards that we may be responding to. There is a wide range of hazmat and bio-detection kits on the market, with different potential sources of grant funding that can help your department be prepared.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Dwindling budgets, aging equipment, and a constant decline in reimbursement rates create a unique environment for EMS agency budgets, opening the need for a new type of creative accounting.  

  

The Firehouse Subs Foundation can be a great way for your organization to find grant funding of up to $20,000. Here's what you need to know before you apply.  

  

  

Another AFG application period has come and gone, you pressed the submit button, printed a copy of your application, placed it in a folder and put it into your filing cabinet. Just as we should return to the station after a call and conduct a critique of our fireground operations, we should also meet with our grant preparation committee and discuss this year's AFG application while it is still fresh in our minds.   

Insufficient funding awareness, inappropriate parts in self-made water-delivery system as well as lack of equipment training also contributed to Ryan Seitz's death  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

In the current economic climate, you may have been told that, because of budget cuts, your out-of-the box ideas will have to be packed up in the box from which they came. But if you thought you were thinking big before, what if I told you about an additional one billion dollars being added to the funding matrix?