News
AFG and SAFER Grant-Writing Resources
Published Date: 11.24.2009
The following resources are designed to help volunteer and combination departments prepare successful applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant programs.
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. Access the AFG and SAFER Grant Narrative Resource Center in the Members-Only section of this site.
- If you are currently an NVFC member, click here to log in and then choose Members-Only Resources to access the AFG and SAFER Grant Narrative Resource Center.
- If you are not currently an NVFC member, click here to learn about membership and join.
The Idea Bank has provided sample grant proposals written by fire departments for the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant application. The narratives are available to view free of charge.
The NVFC partnered with Columbia Southern University (CSU) to release a video podcast of the NVFC’s Grant-Writing Workshop. Led by Jeff Cash, NVFC Second Vice Chair and Chief of the Cherryville (NC) Fire Department, the workshop goes through the steps for preparing grant applications and offers tips to improve the chance of success. CSU recorded the workshop at the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association convention in Myrtle Beach on July 18, 2009. The workshop is one in a series that the NVFC held thanks to support from the Department of Homeland Security.
The podcast is divided into two segments. Part 1 provides an overview of the grant-writing process, including where to find grant funding, tips for writing a grant application, and information on funding priorities and preparing applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which includes AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants. Part 2 provides tips and information for writing a successful narrative for an AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant application.
Access the AFG and SAFER Grant Narrative Resource Center in the Members-Only section of this site.
- If you are currently an NVFC member, click here to log in and then choose Members-Only Resources to access the AFG and SAFER Grant Narrative Resource Center.
- If you are not currently an NVFC member, click here to learn about membership and join.
Fire and Emergency Services Grant Writing Guide
The NVFC has developed this guide to help departments navigate the complexities of applying for federal grants, with specific focus on AFG, SAFER, and FP&S.
The NVFC has developed this guide to help departments navigate the complexities of applying for federal grants, with specific focus on AFG, SAFER, and FP&S.
SAFER grants fund retention and recruitment efforts that can help volunteer fire departments thrive. The NVFC spoke with Victor Esch from the Grants Office to learn more about successful SAFER applications, ideas for SAFER-funded projects, and tips for securing funding for your department.
The NVFC partnered with Firehouse.com to release an audio podcast to provide tips and information for preparing a SAFER grant application and narrative. Panelists include NVFC Second Vice Chair Jeff Cash (NC), NVFC First Vice Chair Jack Carriger (OR), NVFC Massachussetts Alternate Director Joe Maruca, and Jason Wofford of the Cherryville (NC) Fire Department. The participants offer advice and guidance for writing a SAFER grant application based on their own experiences preparing successful applications and serving as peer reviewers during the application selection process.
Please note: This podcast was recorded before the FY 09 SAFER grant guidance was released. Departments should carefully read the guidance before developing an application. In addition, since the podcast was recorded a number of changes have been made to the way that SAFER hiring grants are administered. Visit www.firegrantsupport.com/safer for full information on the SAFER grant.
FireRescue1.com columnist Jerry Brant explains the SAFER grants program’s Recruitment and Retention Activity category and provides tips and advice to help departments secure the funding.
Success Stories
Read success stories of departments and organizations that have received AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants. Access the success stories on the Members-Only section of this site.
Read success stories of departments and organizations that have received AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants. Access the success stories on the Members-Only section of this site.
- If you are currently an NVFC member, click here to log in and then choose Members-Only Resources to access the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S Success Stories.
- If you are not currently an NVFC member, click here to learn about membership and join.
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