SAFER Grant Period Now Open

July 16, 2012

The application has now opened for the FY 2012 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. Take advantage of this opportunity to apply for a grant to help with your department’s recruitment and retention needs. Applications are due by August 10.

SAFER grants provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained, front-line firefighters in their communities. The grants are intended to enhance local departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the NFPA and OSHA. Fire departments can apply for funding for the hiring of new firefighters, the rehiring of firefighters, and/or recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

Examples of eligible recruitment and retention expenses listed in the Program Guidance include insurance packages, marketing costs to recruit new volunteers, computers in common areas, station duty uniforms for new recruits, station modifications, physicals for new recruits, explorer/cadet/junior firefighter programs, tuition assistance for higher education, length of service award programs (LOSAPs), and awards programs for participation in operational activities. Additional examples of eligible expenses can be found on pages 11-12 of the Program Guidance. Find more project ideas from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).

Visit the  SAFER web site to access important SAFER grant-writing resources, including the Get Ready Guide, the SAFER Self Evaluation Sheet, the 2012 Program Guidance, and more.  The NVFC also offers grant-writing resources for your SAFER grant application. Remember to read the 2012 Program Guidance thoroughly before preparing your application.