FEMA Announces Second AFG-S Application Period for Volunteer and Combination Fire Departments

August 18, 2020

On August 10, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that it will provide an additional chance for volunteer and combination fire departments to apply for funding under the FY 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S) program to help agencies purchase personal protective equipment and other supplies to support COVID-19 response. The second AFG-S application period will open later this fall and includes reimbursement for expenditures made since January 1, 2020.

Volunteer and combination fire departments are eligible to apply in this round even if they had a successful application in the first application period, which was open in April and May of this year. However, applications must support new capabilities. Departments that applied in the first round but were unsuccessful must reapply to be considered for funding in this round; applications from the first round will not automatically carry forward to this round for consideration.

FEMA will begin hosting AFG-S webinars on August 18. The webinars will run three times a week for three weeks. Click here to access FEMA’s webinar schedule page.

On September 2 at 2pm ET, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will host a free webinar to provide program updates related to the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants. NVFC Maryland director David Lewis will cover topics including the second AFG-S application period, frequently asked questions about the FEMA GO grants management system, and FEMA’s recent decision to extend the period of performance for FY 2018 AFG and other grants. Click here to register for the webinar.