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Apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to Fund Critical Needs

Published Date: 08.23.2011

NFPA offering code access to AFG grant applicants

The 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is now open. Apply for funding to help your department secure the essentials that firefighters and first responders need to be safe and effective on the job. Applications must be received by September 23 at 5pm EDT.

Paid, volunteer, and combination fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations from urban, suburban, and rural communities in the U.S. and its territories are eligible to apply for an AFG grant. Funding supports a wide variety of critical needs, including firefighting and EMS equipment, personal protective equipment, fire and EMS vehicles, training programs, wellness and fitness programs, and modifications to facilities. New this year, funding can also be used for behavioral health programs, boats under 20 feet, and extended warranties. A full list of funding priorities and eligible items is available in the FY11 AFG Program Guidance.

FEMA’s AFG web site provides tools and resources to help you prepare your grant application. These include the FY11 Program Guidance, a Narrative Assistance Guide, an Applicant Tutorial, the AFG Workshop schedule as well as PowerPoint presentation for those unable to attend a workshop, and more. The Help Desk is also available for questions at 1-866-274-0960 or firegrants@dhs.gov, or find your Regional Representative at www.fema.gov/firegrants/program/contact.shtm.

To assist AFG applicants, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will have complimentary online access to 27 NFPA codes referenced in the grant program. Access is available through a special web portal during the grant application period. Visit www.nfpa.org/nfpaafg2011 to learn more and download these codes.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) offers additional grant-writing resources at www.nvfc.org/resources/grants/grant-writing-resources/. These include the Fire and Emergency Services Grant Writing Guide and the AFG and SAFER Grant Narrative Resource Center.

AFG funding is extremely important to the fire and emergency medical services. Make sure to apply for the essential items, programs, and training that your department needs. Learn more and apply at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/afggrants/index.shtm.

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