Grants & Funding

In order to assist departments applying for an AFG or SAFER grant, the NVFC has created an online resource center with copies of narratives from successful past grant applications. These narratives are extremely useful examples for departments that have significant need but have had trouble expressing it in past applications. In addition to the model narratives, the NVFC has posted a grant writing guide created by DHS.

 

The NVFC has compiled a listing of federal grant and funding opportunities available for the fire and emergency services.

 

Federal Grants Wire
Federal Grants Wire is a free resource to search for information about available federal grants, government grants, and loans. The site offers over 1,800 federal grant and loan opportunities, organized by sponsoring agency, applicant type, and subject area to help you find funding opportunities applicable to your program and/or agency. There is also a searchable grant directory and index. Additionally, Federal Grants Wire has multiple resources which provide information such as the definition and classifications of federal grants, how to write grant proposals, tips on applying for federal grants, application eligibility requirements, and more.

 

Office of Grants and Training (G&T)

G&T, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Preparedness Directorate, is responsible for preparing the nation against terrorism by assisting states, local and tribal jurisdictions, and regional authorities as they prevent, deter, and respond to terrorist acts. G&T provides a broad array of assistance to America's first responders through funding, coordinated training, exercises, equipment acquisition, and technical assistance.

 

The Department of Homeland Security enhances the ability of states, local, and tribal jurisdictions, and other regional authorities in the preparation, prevention, and response to terrorist attacks and other disasters, by distributing grant funds. Localities can use grants for planning, equipment, training, and exercise needs. This web page lists Homeland Security Grants, Preparedness Grants, and other available grants, as well as information for finding and applying for grants and grant administration resources.

 

2009 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
The 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) will award almost $1.7 billion to enhance the ability of states, territories, and urban areas to prepare for, prevent, and respond to terrorist attacks and other major disasters. HSGP funds can be used for preparedness planning, equipment acquisition, training, exercises, management, and administration in order to obtain resources that are critical to building and sustaining capabilities that are aligned with the Interim National Preparedness Goal and respective State and Urban Area Homeland Security Strategies.

 

The NVFC has compiled information on available Terrorism Awareness grant and funding resources.

 

FY 2009 Preparedness Grant Programs
FEMA announced final allocations for FY 2009 Preparedness Grants for 10 federal grant programs totals nearly $970 million in federal funding to assist state, local, and tribal governments and private industry in strengthening community preparedness. Awards will be made on a rolling basis over the summer. From 2003 through 2009, more than $26.7 billion will have been provided to strengthen our nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, or other emergencies.

 

Thanks to the support of the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation, the NVFC is offering $100,000 to help fire and emergency service departments further develop or expand their existing junior firefighter program. Ten $5,000 grants will be awarded. The application deadline for the 2009 program is August 15.

 

 

The Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade program provides grants to fire departments located near the company's facilities, as well as the donation of products and safety materials for presentations in local schools. Since 2005, the Bucket Brigade program has awarded more than $300,000 to fire departments in over 50 communities to help them purchase needed gear and equipment. The 2009 grant application period is now open. Contact your local Georgia-Pacific facility to obtain the Bucket Brigade grant application form. For more information, visit www.gp.com/aboutus/bucketbrigade/index.html or contact gpbucketbrigade@gpac.com. To view a listing of Georgia-Pacific communities, visit http://www.gp.com/facilitydirectory/index.asp.

 

Through Operation Ranger, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) assists America's emergency responders by donating versatile utility vehicles to organizations across the country. Since 2002, Operation Ranger has provided over 450 Polaris Ranger off-road vehicles to fire-rescue, police, emergency medical services, emergency management, and wildlife law enforcement organizations nationwide. The 2009 grant application period is now closed.

FM Global Fire Prevention Grants
Commercial property insurer FM Global is accepting applications for 2009 Fire Prevention Grants. Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants that can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause. FM Global awarded $245,000 in Fire Prevention Grants in 2007. These grants helped nearly 100 national, state, regional, local, and community organizations more effectively prevent fire – the leading cause of property destruction. During the past three decades, grants have helped to bolster loss prevention initiatives, like community education, prefire planning, and arson prevention, to name a few.

 

Funding Alternatives for Fire and Emergency Services
The U.S. Fire Administration developed this manual to provide fire and EMS departments information on locating and implementing both traditional and nontraditional methods of funding. Download a copy from the USFA Publications Center.

 

 

The International Fire Relief Mission was founded in 2007. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that collects used fire and EMS equipment and delivers it to poorly funded fire departments in developing nations. Its mission is to save firefighter and civilian lives through better equipment and education. If your department has surpluss equipment and would like to learn more about donating to IFRM, visit www.ifrm2007.com or contact Ron Gruening, President, at rgruening@ifrm2007.com or 612-669-8500.