2012 Public Safety Grant News Archive

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$5,587,250 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 16 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Mar. 30, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the sixteenth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $5,587,250 to 43 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $2,375 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant, awarded to Tusayan Fire District, Grand Canyon, AZ, to a $791,600 Operations and Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Grant awarded to the Smithtown Fire District, NY.

 

$328,880,400 awarded so far to 1,658 fire grant winners

 

In Round 16 AFGP, 39 fire grants totaling $3,757,800 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 4 fire grants totaling $1,829,450 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 1,658 fire grants totaling $328,880,400 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 1,358 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $250,335,437, and 300 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $78,544,963. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $184,341, and the average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition has been $261,817.

 

$16,866,580 to be awarded

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $8,974,798 for Operations and Safety (3% to be allocated) and $7,891,782 for Vehicle Acquisition (9% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

$14,607,877 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 15 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Mar. 23, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the fifteenth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $14,607,877 to 95 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $4,389 Operations and Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Grant, awarded to Earlington Fire Department, KY, to a $1,246,538 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant awarded to the San Jose Fire Department, CA.

 

$323,293,150 awarded so far to 1,615 fire grant winners

 

In Round 15 AFGP, 90 fire grants totaling $13,647,569 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 5 fire grants totaling $960,308 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 1,615 fire grants totaling $323,293,150 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 1,319 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $246,577,637, and 296 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $76,715,513. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $186,943, and the average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition has been $259,174.

 

$22,453,830 to be awarded

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $12,732,598 for Operations and Safety (5% to be allocated) and $9,721,232 for Vehicle Acquisition (11% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

Apply for $35,000,000 in FY 2011 Fire Prevention & Safety Grants

Fire Grant News

Mar. 23, 2012 - Is your fire department working on ways to promote fire safety in your community and prevent fires and fire damage, death and injury? If so, then it's time to get ready to apply for your department's shot at a share of the $35,000,000 available under the FY 2011 Fire Prevention And Safety (FP&S) Grants. FP&S will be open for applications Apr. 2-27.

 

This fire grant is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Visit the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants web page for information on how to apply for a FY 2012 grant.

 

Start by reading Sections I (PDF) and Section II (PDF) of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 FP&S Grants Program Guidance and Application Kit. The Kit provides details on what activities will be funded, types of organizations that are eligible to apply, the evaluation criteria, and federal requirements for grantees.

 

FP&S Grant Applicant Resources are available now to get you ready for when this fire grant opens for applications on Apr. 2.

 

Key resources are being posted on the FP&S Grants Web page to help you plan your application. Start NOW to read this information so that you can develop a competitive grant request.

 

Here are the resources that will be posted between now and the Apr. 2 opening of the application period. Some are already available for download, and check back for updated availability on other resources.

 

 

Apply for FY 2011 FP&S by 5 pm ET, Apr. 27, 2012.

 

Fire Grant Help? Contact First Responder Grants today to discuss your fire safety project and your FP&S grant application »

 

 

$8,834,161 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 14 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Mar. 16, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the fourteenth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $8,834,161 to 63 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $6,732 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant, awarded to Posen Fire Department, IL, to an $862,000 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant awarded to the Richard Volunteer Fire Department, LA.

 

$308,685,273 awarded so far to 1,520 fire grant winners

 

In Round 14 AFGP, 60 fire grants totaling $8,325,816 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 3 fire grants totaling $508,345 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 1,520 fire grants totaling $308,685,273 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 1,229 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $232,930,068, and 291 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $75,755,205. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $189,528, and the average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition has been $260,327.

 

$37,061,707 to be awarded

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $26,380,167 for Operations and Safety (10% to be allocated) and $10,681,540 for Vehicle Acquisition (12% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

FEMA Calls for Nominations to the National Youth Preparedness Council

Public Safety Grant News

Mar. 14, 2012 - FEMA is looking for youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their community, and who want to expand their impact as a national advocate for youth preparedness.

 

Are you a 12 to 17 year old who wants to make a difference in your community that could help save lives? If you have contributed to youth disaster preparedness in your community or lived through a disaster and want to share your experiences, you could be on FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council!

 

Similarly, if you know of a young person with any of these qualities, you could also nominate him or her to serve.

 

Youth Preparedness Council nominees will represent a variety of kids: current or former students, a youth member of a local Citizen Corps Council, a youth club, or a member of a faith-based organization who is vocal and active in preparing peers, family, and neighborhood for potential emergencies.

 

Nominations must be received by April 6, 11:59 p.m. EDT.

 

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council is a unique opportunity for a select set of youth leaders to serve on a highly distinguished national council, to participate in a community preparedness roundtable event in Washington D.C., and to voice their opinions, experiences, ideas, solutions, and questions on youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on youth preparedness.

 

Selection Criteria: Nominations can emphasize youth disaster preparedness activities that the nominee has participated in, or can be related to a disaster the nominee lived through. Nominations should describe a specific emergency situation and/or examples of youth disaster preparedness activity that would qualify the nominee to serve on the Council. FEMA asks that applicants limit themselves to describing no more than five examples.

 

Sample preparedness activities include, but are not limited to:

 

  • Teen CERT in Action
  • Citizen Corps Council Activities
  • After School Activities
  • Faith-based Youth Preparedness Activities
  • Camp Activities
  • Youth Club Activities (e.g., Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts)
  • National Preparedness Month Participation
  • Increasing Local Disaster Awareness
  • Resources: Doing More With Less
  • Rural Area Programs
  • Using Social Media
  • Pet/Service Animal Preparedness
  • Underrepresented Communities Programs
  • General Youth Preparedness Programs

 

Youth Preparedness Council Participants will be announced in May 2012, and will be FEMA’s honored guests at a community preparedness roundtable event in Washington, D.C. on June 28 and 29.

 

Nomination Process

 

Complete instructions are available at: citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm. If you have any questions about the process that are not covered there, please email YPC@icfi.com.

 

Nominating yourself? You must submit a recommendation letter as an attachment to your nomination. The letter can be from any adult, like a parent, guardian, community first responder, or teacher. Please name the file “[Your First Name]_[Your Last Name]_Letter.” (For example, “Nick_Halpern_Letter.”) Self- nominations that do not include a letter of recommendations will not be reviewed.

 

Nominating someone else? Feel free to include a letter of recommendation, but this is not mandatory. If you do, please name the file “[Nominee First Name]_[Nominee Last Name]_Letter.” (For example, “Nick_Halpern_Letter.”)

 

 

$1,009,238 in AFGP Fire Grants Awarded to First Responder Grants Clients

Fire Grant News

Mar. 9, 2012 - 5 First Responder Grants clients and students have won a combined $1,009,238 in Round 13 fire grant awards under the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). These federal grants enable fire departments nationwide to procure vital equipment and training funds to better protect their personnel and communities.

 

Combined, 89 First Responder Grants clients and students have won a total of $15,026,037 in 2011 AFGP fire grants to-date.

 

Public safety agencies nationwide rely on First Responder Grants for grant writing training, grant consulting, and the latest news and tips for writing winning grant applications. Since 1998, our Certified Grants Consultants have helped America's public safety agencies win over $900,000,000 in grant funding. Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

 

$20,610,249 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 13 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Mar. 9, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the thirteenth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $20,610,249 to 65 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $5,848 Operations and Safety Training Grant, awarded to Wichita Falls Fire Department, TX, to a $2,714,312 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant awarded to the Charlotte Fire Department, NC.

 

$299,851,112 awarded so far to 1,457 fire grant winners

 

In Round 13 AFGP, 63 fire grants totaling $20,215,599 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 2 fire grants totaling $394,650 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 1,457 fire grants totaling $299,851,112 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 1,169 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $224,604,252, and 288 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $75,246,860. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $192,134, and the average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition has been $261,274.

 

$45,898,868 to be awarded

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $34,705,983 for Operations and Safety (13% to be allocated) and $11,189,885 for Vehicle Acquisition (13% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

Fire Prevention & Safety Grants (FP&S) Expected to Open for Applications in April

Fire Grant News

Mar. 8, 2012 - The popular fire grant program Fire Prevention & Safety Grants (FP&S) is expected to open its FY2011 application period in April. FP&S grants support projects that reduce fire-related injury and death among high-risk populations and research and development initiatives that improve firefighter safety.

 

FP&S Funding Categories include:

 

  • FP&S Projects: General education and awareness; code enforcement and awareness; fire and arson investigation; and national, state, and regional programs and studies.
  • Firefighter Research and Development Projects: The emphasis is on research that will yield results that can be readily applied to improve firefighter safety, health, and wellness.

 

Download the FY 2011 FP&S Grants Program Guidance and Application Kit: Section I and Section II. These documents provide details about funding priorities, the grant application process, award criteria, and grantee requirements.

 

An FP&S Grants video also gives a brief overview of the FP&S Grants Program, funding priorities, and evaluation criteria.

 

Additional resources for FY 2011 FP&S applicants are being developed and will be posted on the FP&S website over the next few weeks.

 

 

FY 2011 AFG Application Results

Fire Grant News

Mar. 8, 2012 - According to FEMA, as of March 2, 2012, approximately 1,300 FY 2011 AFG awards totaling about $300 million have been awarded to fire and nonaffiliated emergency medical services departments for equipment, training, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness projects, modifications to facilities, and emergency vehicles. These grants represent about 80% of total AFG funds available. Award recommendations are still being processed, and announcements will continue until all available funds have been committed.

 

To check the status of your grant request, the point of contact on the application must login to the AFG e-Grant application portal. Once logged in, click on the “Mail Center” button and open any new messages. Previously opened messages will have been moved to the “Old Message” folder.

 

If you have not yet received a message concerning the status of your application, there are 2 explanations:

 

  • (1) Your request is still being considered for award, OR,
  • (2) One or more of your application’s projects qualified for peer review evaluation but ultimately were not recommended for funding, in which case you will receive notification in the near future.

 

Applicants whose requests did not score highly enough to be reviewed by peer review panelists already should have received notification by e-mail that they will not be funded. Applicants were offered the opportunity to obtain feedback on why their applications did not advance to peer review by submitting online requests within 60 days of the date of the e-mail message.

 

 

New Site Explains R&D Project Grants for Firefighter Health, Safety and Wellness

Fire Grant News

Mar. 8, 2012 - What studies is FEMA conducting about firefighter health, safety, and wellness? A new section on the AFG website now provides detailed information on the Firefighter Research and Development Grant projects funded by the FP&S Grant Program.

 

The FPS Research and Development Grants (R&D) are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and are under the preview of the Grant Programs Directorate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The goal of this Research and Development Grants Program activity is to reduce firefighter fatal and nonfatal injuries and to improve firefighter safety, health, and wellness.

 

Find out the research project titles and read the project abstracts, which explain how the studies are being conducted and their relevance to firefighter health, safety, and wellness.

 

Go: Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Research and Development (R&D) Grants

 

Grant Guidance Released for FY2011 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants

Fire Grant News

Mar. 2, 2012 - Get ready to apply for the FY2011 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants, from the Department of Homeland Security. Grant guidance documents are available now:

 

FP&S Fire Grant Guidance, Section I (PDF)

 

FP&S Fire Grant Guidance, Section II (PDF)

 

Applications will be accessible beginning April 02, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT, April 27, 2012.

 

 

$3,852,359 in AFGP Fire Grants Awarded to First Responder Grants Clients

Fire Grant News

Mar. 2, 2012 - 17 First Responder Grants clients and students have won a combined $3,852,359 in Round 12 fire grant awards under the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). These federal grants enable fire departments nationwide to procure vital equipment and training funds to better protect their personnel and communities.

 

Combined, 84 First Responder Grants clients and students have won a total of $14,016,799 in 2011 AFGP fire grants to-date.

 

Public safety agencies nationwide rely on First Responder Grants for grant writing training, grant consulting, and the latest news and tips for writing winning grant applications. Since 1998, our Certified Grants Consultants have helped America's public safety agencies win over $900,000,000 in grant funding. Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

 

$15,611,111 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 12 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Mar. 2, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the twelfth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $15,611,111 to 83 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $7,125 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant, awarded to Chocowinity Fire District Volunteer Fire Department INC, NC, to a $766,743 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant awarded to the Natchitoches Fire Department, LA.

 

$279,240,863 awarded so far to 1,392 fire grant winners

 

In Round 12 AFGP, 73 fire grants totaling $12,076,285 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 10 fire grants totaling $3,534,826 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 1,392 fire grants totaling $279,240,863 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 1,106 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $204,388,653, and 286 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $74,852,210. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $184,800, and the average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition has been $261,721.

 

$66,506,117 to be awarded

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $54,921,582 for Operations and Safety (21% to be allocated) and $11,584,535 for Vehicle Acquisition (13% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

$1,381,476,000 Available from 7 DHS/FEMA Grants

 

Public Safety Grant News

 

Feb. 24, 2012 - The Grant Programs Directorate (GPD), a component of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has announced the availability of 7 Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Program Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA). For more information, download the announcement (PDF). Combined, $1,381,476,000 in FY 2012 federal assistance is available from the following grant programs:

 

 

Deadlines and How to Apply

 

Detailed guidance and application instructions for all grant programs are provided at www.fema.gov/grants.

 

Eligible applicants must apply for funding through the Grants.gov portal at www.grants.gov. When applicants apply through www.grants.gov, the Standard Form 424 in the initial Grants.gov application will need to be submitted. The Standard Form 424 will be retrieved by FEMA Non-Disaster (ND) Grants directly from the Grants.gov system and will automatically populate the relevant data fields in the ND grant application.

 

Submit Standard Form 424 by April 27, 2012

 

Because FEMA will need to conduct an initial eligibility review of the application prior to the final submission deadline, grantees are encouraged to initiate and complete the Standard Form 424 submission within Grants.gov by no later than April 27, 2012 for all programs.

 

Grant Application Deadline for All Programs: May 4, 2012

 

Upon the completion of the initial review, FEMA will determine whether an application should proceed further. The applicant will be notified to complete their submission by fulfilling additional application requirements (e.g., budget, Investment Justification, Work Plan, etc.) by no later than May 4, 2012 for all programs. Completed final applications for all grant programs must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM EDT, May 4, 2012.

 

 

$324,628 in AFGP Fire Grants Awarded to First Responder Grants Clients

Fire Grant News

Feb. 24, 2012 - First Responder Grants clients and students have won a combined $324,628 in Round 11 fire grant awards under the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). These federal grants enable fire departments nationwide to procure vital equipment and training funds to better protect their personnel and communities.

 

Combined, 68 First Responder Grants clients and students have won a total of $10,164,440 in 2011 AFGP fire grants to-date.

 

Public safety agencies nationwide rely on First Responder Grants for grant writing training, grant consulting, and the latest news and tips for writing winning grant applications. Since 1998, our Certified Grants Consultants have helped America's public safety agencies win over $900,000,000 in grant funding. Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

 

$23,514,981 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 11 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Feb. 24, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the eleventh award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $23,514,981 to 101 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $3,088 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant, awarded to Cayuga Comm. Fire Dept. Inc., IN, to a $1,750,000 Operations and Safety Equipment and Wellness and Fitness Programs Grant awarded to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, CA.

 

$263,629,752 awarded so far to 1,309 fire grant winners

 

In Round 11 AFGP, 83 fire grants totaling $18,783,845 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 18 fire grants totaling $4,731,136 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 1,309 fire grants totaling $263,629,752 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 1,033 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $192,312,368, and 276 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $71,317,384. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $186,169, and the average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition has been $258,396.

 

$82,117,738 to be awarded

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $66,998,377 for Operations and Safety (26% to be allocated) and $15,119,361 for Vehicle Acquisition (17% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

$1,358,309 in AFGP Fire Grants Awarded to First Responder Grants Clients

Fire Grant News

Feb. 21, 2012 - First Responder Grants clients and students have won a combined $1,358,309 in Round 10 fire grant awards under the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). The grant awards enable fire departments nationwide to procure vital equipment and training funds to better protect their personnel and communities.

 

Combined, First Responder Grants clients and students have won a total of $9,839,812 so far during 2011 AFGP awards.

 

Public safety agencies nationwide rely on First Responder Grants for grant writing training, grant consulting, and the latest news and tips for writing winning grant applications. Since 1998, our Certified Grants Consultants have helped America's public safety agencies win over $900,000,000 in grant funding. Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

 

One Week Left to Apply for FY 2011 SAFER Grant

Fire Grant News

Feb. 17, 2012 - There is still time to submit your application for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS), FY 2011 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants. Applications are due by February 24, 2012, 5 p.m. ET.

 

The goal of SAFER is to assist local fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities in order to respond to emergencies, thus assuring that communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. Grants support two main activities: hiring and rehiring firefighters and supporting volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention programs.

 

Learn more: Fire Grant Details - Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response ( SAFER)

 

Volunteer fire departments and firefighter interest organizations have a new resource available to help them understand the requirements of SAFER Recruitment and Retention Grants. A new educational video, SAFER Grants Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters, is available on the SAFER Grants Website or on the FEMA Media Library. It covers information such as who is eligible to apply, the types of costs can be covered, grant requirements, and other information. Watch the video

 

 

$37,899,274 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 10 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Feb. 17, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the tenth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $37,899,274 to 149 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $7,650 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant to Modify Facilities, awarded to Ridge Road Fire District, Rochester, NY, to a $995,776 Operations and Safety Equipment/Personal Protective Equipment Grant awarded to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, OH.

 

$240,114,771 awarded so far to 1,208 fire grant winners

 

In Round 10 AFGP, 114 fire grants totaling $28,529,416 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 35 fire grants totaling $9,369,858 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 1,208 fire grants totaling $240,114,771 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 950 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $173,528,523, and 258 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $66,586,248. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $182,662, and the average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition has been $258,086.

 

$105,632,209 to be awarded

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $85,781,712 for Operations and Safety (33% to be allocated) and $19,850,497 for Vehicle Acquisition (23% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

$934,357 in AFGP Fire Grants Awarded to First Responder Grants Clients

Fire Grant News

Feb. 10, 2012 - First Responder Grants clients and students have won a combined $934,357 in Round 9 fire grant awards under the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). The grant awards enable fire departments nationwide to procure vital equipment and training funds to better protect their personnel and communities.

 

Combined, First Responder Grants clients and students have won a total of $8,481,503 so far during 2011 AFGP awards.

 

Public safety agencies nationwide rely on First Responder Grants for grant writing training, grant consulting, and the latest news and tips for writing winning grant applications. Since 1998, our Certified Grants Consultants have helped America's public safety agencies win over $900,000,000 in grant funding. Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

 

$16,682,192 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 9 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Feb. 10, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the ninth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $16,682,192 to 68 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $9,405 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant awarded to N.W. Volunteer Fire/Rescue Dept. Inc., Leland, NC, to a $1,750,000 Operations and Safety Equipment/Personal Protective Equipment Grant awarded to Detroit (MI) Fire Department.

 

Over $200,000,000 awarded so far

 

In Round 9 AFGP, 50 fire grants totaling $11,872,174 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 18 fire grants totaling $4,810,018 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 1,059 fire grants totaling $202,215,497 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 836 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $144,999,107, and 223 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $57,216,390. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $173,444, and the average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition has been $256,576.

 

$143,531,483 to be awarded

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $114,311,128 for Operations and Safety (44% to be allocated) and $29,220,355 for Vehicle Acquisition (34% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

FY 2011 SAFER Grant Application Period Now Open

Fire Grant News

Feb. 7, 2012 - Applications may be submitted through February 24, 2012, 5 p.m. ET, for the FY 2011 SAFER Grant for fire department staffing.

 

Learn more: Fire Grant Details - Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response ( SAFER)

 

Volunteer fire departments and firefighter interest organizations have a new resource available to help them understand the requirements of SAFER Recruitment and Retention Grants. A new educational video, SAFER Grants Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters, is available on the SAFER Grants Website or on the FEMA Media Library. It covers information such as who is eligible to apply, the types of costs can be covered, grant requirements, and other information. Watch the video

 

 

FY 2012 AFGP Funding Approved

Fire Grant News

Feb. 7, 2012 - In December 2011, Congress appropriated FY 2012 funding for the AFG Program, Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants, and SAFER Grants. Here is the breakdown of the funding allocations:

 

  • FY 2012 AFG (includes at least.5% for FP&S Grants), $337,500,000
  • FY 2012 SAFER Grants, $337,500,000
  • Total, $675,000,000

 

The application period for the FY 2012 AFG is projected for April/May 2012.

 

Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

 

$2,103,713 in AFGP Fire Grants Awarded to First Responder Grants Clients

Fire Grant News

Feb. 3, 2012 - First Responder Grants clients and students have won a combined $2,103,713 in Round 8 fire grant awards under the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). The grant awards enable fire departments nationwide to procure vital equipment and training funds to better protect their personnel and communities.

 

Combined, First Responder Grants clients and students have won a total of $7,547,146 so far during 2011 AFGP awards.

 

Public safety agencies nationwide rely on First Responder Grants for grant writing training, grant consulting, and the latest news and tips for writing winning grant applications. Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

 

$68,009,265 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 8 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Feb. 3, 2012 - In the largest awards round to-date, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the eighth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $68,009,265 to 362 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $2,565.00 Operations and Safety Training Grant awarded to Heard County Emergency Management Agency, Franklin, GA, to a $929,088 Operations and Safety Personal Protective Equipment Grant awarded to Jersey City Dept of Fire & Emergency Services, NJ.

 

In Round 8 AFGP, 270 fire grants totaling $46,419,841 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 92 fire grants totaling $21,589,424 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 991 fire grants totaling $185,533,305 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 786 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $133,126,933, and 205 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $52,406,372. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $169,373, and $255,641 average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition.

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $126,183,302 for Operations and Safety (49% to be allocated) and $34,030,373 for Vehicle Acquisition (39% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

New Anti-Gang "Community-Based Gang Reduction Model" Available for Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement Grant News

Jan. 27, 2012 - Based on the development of a 3-year, nationwide anti-gang strategy for Jamaica, Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.) and international criminologist Michel Amiot developed a Community-Based Gang Reduction Model.

 

"I spent six months consulting with the Government of Jamaica and assisting them in developing a nationwide anti-gang strategy," said Lt. Foster. "As a result of that consultancy, my co-consultant and I developed a Community Based Gang Reduction model. That strategy is now available for public consumption."

 

The Community-Based Gang Reduction Model has 5 key Components:

 

  1. Building on Community Based Policing Practices
  2. Building on Intelligence Driven Policing
  3. Creating Public Safety Threat Assessment Gang Enforcement
  4. Incorporating Community Driven Problem Solving
  5. Facilitating Community/Stakeholder Involvement

 

Learn more and download a PDF of the 3-Year Anti-Gang Strategy

 

 

New Fire Grant Opens Jan. 30: FY 2011 Staffing For Adequate Fire And Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program

Fire Grant News

Jan. 27, 2012 - The FY 2011 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants application period will open on Monday, January 30, 2012 and run until Friday, February 24, 2012 at 5:00 P.M. EST. SAFER Grants assist local fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities in order to respond to emergencies, assuring communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.

 

Get ready for this crucial staffing grant! Review the FY11 SAFER Program Highlights and download the FY 2011 SAFER Grant Program Guidance and Application Kit (PDF).

 

All SAFER applicants should read the new FY 2011 SAFER Grants Program Guidance to fully understand the FY 2011 award criteria, funding priorities, and important special application instructions for completing the application.

 

Highlights of the FY 2011 SAFER Grant Program

 

The grant program conditions described below are in effect ONLY for the FY 2011 SAFER Grants; they are not retroactive to previous fiscal years and do not apply beyond the FY 2011 SAFER Grants Program.

 

      • Salary limits: There are no annual salary limits
      • Grantee cost share: There is no prescribed cost-share
      • No retention commitment: Grantees that are hiring firefighters—whether they be rehires, new hires, or retained firefighters—do not have to commit to retaining the SAFER-funded firefighters beyond the period of performance. However, no firefighter layoffs are permitted—of either SAFER-funded on non-SAFER firefighters—during the grant's period of performance
      • Period of performance: For the Hiring of Firefighters Category grants, the period of performance has been reduced to 2 years.
      • Attrition of firefighters: FY 2011 grantees who are unable to back-fill firefighting positions that are vacated due to documentable economic hardship may petition FEMA for a waiver of staffing maintenance requirements. To qualify for this waiver, the economic hardship must affect the entire public safety sector in the jurisdiction and not only the fire department.
      • Hiring of Firefighters Category: The priorities for funding will be as follows:
        1. First priority: Rehiring laid-off firefighters
        2. Second priority: Retention of firefighters who face imminent layoff and/or filling positions vacated through attrition but not filled due to economic circumstances
        3. Third priority: Hiring new firefighters

 

Important Special Instructions for Completing the FY 2011 SAFER Hiring Grant Application

 

A technical issue with the SAFER e-grant application will require that applicants requesting funds for the Hiring of Firefighters Category enter data for 4 budget years even though only 2 years of funding can be awarded for this Category. Unfortunately, the application format cannot be changed, and therefore Hiring of Firefighters applicants should follow these special instructions on how to complete the application:

 

      • For budget years one (1) and two (2), input the requested salary and benefits for each line item;
      • For budget years three (3) and four (4) insert $1.00 for both the salary and benefits
      • NOTE: The system will not allow an input of $0 value. If an applicant submits a budget request for year three (3) and year four (4), the budget will be reduced prior to the grant award.

 

If you need additional information or instructions, the SAFER Help Desk and Fire Program Specialists will be available throughout the application period to answer questions about the SAFER Program Guidance and the online grant application. The Help Desk can be contacted at 1-866-274-0960 or via e-mail at firegrants@dhs.gov. The Help Desk hours of operation during the application period are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All times listed are eastern daylight times.

 

 

$10,492,004 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 7 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Jan. 27, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the seventh award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $10,492,004 to 32 agencies. Award amounts ranged from an $11,400 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant awarded to Gravel Ridge Fire Department, AR, to a $1,393,854 Personal Protective Equipment Grant awarded to Orange County Fire Authority, Irvine, CA.

 

In Round 7 AFGP, 24 fire grants totaling $8,732,413 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 8 fire grants totaling $1,759,591 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 629 fire grants totaling $117,524,040 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 516 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $86,707,092, and 113 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $30,816,948. The average grant size for Operations and Safety has been $168,037, and $272,716 average grant size for Vehicle Acquisition.

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $172,603,143 for Operations and Safety (67% to be allocated) and $55,619,797 for Vehicle Acquisition (64% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

$5,443,334 in AFGP Fire Grants Awarded to First Responder Grants Clients

Fire Grant News

Jan. 24, 2012 - First Responder Grants clients and students have won a combined $5,443,334 so far in the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). The grant awards enable fire departments nationwide to procure vital equipment and training funds to better protect their personnel and communities.

 

The Victor Fire Department, New York, won a $343,962 Regional Interoperable Communications Grant in the third awards round of 2011 AFG. "I first started using Kurt Bradley in 2008 by attending one of his seminars and employing his post-seminar support services," says Asst. Chief Joe Murphy. "I have since attended another class, hosted a class for Kurt in 2010 and am hosting another grant class here in 2012. With his training and post-seminar assistance our department has won a total of $556,800 in grant awards, including our 2011 AFG award in December 2011 for $343,962 for a regional interoperable communications grant."

 

Murphy says that investing in training received from First Responder Grants has been key in his department's success in winning grants. "We are financially challenged, as is everyone in this economy, so we have to watch our budget expenditures closely," adds Murphy. "But, I can unequivocally state that this has been money well spent and invested in services and training. We have invested less than $5,500 for services and training with First Responder Grants, and our return on investment is now approaching 1000:1. I would challenge any department to show a better return on investment than we have achieved with First Responder Grants."

 

Public safety agencies nationwide rely on First Responder Grants for grant writing training, grant consulting, and the latest news and tips for writing winning grant applications. Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

 

$15,243,738 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 6 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Jan. 20, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the sixth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $15,243,738 to 95 agencies. Award amounts ranged from a $990 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant awarded to Austintown Fire Department, OH, to a $999,781 Operations and Safety Equipment Grant awarded to Reading Fire Department, PA.

 

In Round 6 AFGP, 89 fire grants totaling $12,976,500 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 6 fire grants totaling $2,267,238 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 597 fire grants totaling $107,032,036 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 492 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $77,974,679, and 105 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $29,057,357.

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $181,335,556 for Operations and Safety (70% to be allocated) and $57,379,388 for Vehicle Acquisition (66% to be allocated). Our thanks to Andy Theriault, Ipswich FD, MA, for compiling these statistics.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

Pennsylvania VFCVASP Fire Grant/EMS Grant Award Winners Announced

Fire Grant & EMS Grant News

Jan. 18, 2012 - The Office of Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner has released the list of award winners of the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Company grant program. Congratulations to all winners in Pennsylvania!

 

Download the awards list (PDF)

 

Pennsylvania Loans and Grants

 

Office of the State Fire Commissioner Homepage

 

 

11,015 "Dear John" Rejection Letters Sent for FY 2011 AFGP Fire Grants

Fire Grant News

Jan. 17, 2012 - A first round of rejection notices, or "dear john letters," have been sent for the FY 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). While not every application can be funded, this is the first year that thousands of rejections have been sent at the same time. To-date, 11,015 rejections have been sent.

 

"I have never seen this many computer-generated rejection notices before," says Kurt Bradley, Grants Consultant for First Responder Grants.

 

Did your department receive a dear john letter? Learn how to write stronger, more competitive grant applications for your next grant:

 

Register for First Responder Grant Writing Training »

 

 

4 First Responder Grants Clients Win $254,711 in AFGP 2011 Fire Grant Awards

Fire Grant News

Jan. 13, 2012 - In the fifth award round announced so far in the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP), 4 winners were clients and grant writing training students of First Responder Grants. Combined, these 4 agencies have been awarded $254,711 in fire grant awards for their departments and communities.

 

Public safety agencies nationwide rely on First Responder Grants for grant writing training, grant consulting, and the latest news and tips for writing winning grant applications. Learn more: Classes and Training, Services and Resources.

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

States Can Use DHS Grant Funding to Offer 2 New CERT Training Courses Available from FEMA

Public Safety Grant News

Jan. 13, 2012 - FEMA has announced 2 new courses now available to States and local CERT programs across the nation. States who offer the courses can use Homeland Security Grant Program funding to support the training.

 

      • G428: CERT Train-the-Trainer Course - Learn to deliver the CERT Basic Training Course accurately, Convey the messages and intent of the CERT Program (e.g., safety, teamwork, place in overall community emergency operations plan), assure the students achieve the objectives of the CERT Basic Training, and create a comfortable yet managed learning environment for CERT participants. View course materials »
      • G427: CERT Program Manager Course - Defines the core components of a local CERT program and focuses on effective practices to establish and maintain an active program. View course materials »

 

States in particular are encouraged to offer these courses to local CERT instructors, Basic Training course managers, and program managers.

 

Course materials include an Instructor Guide, Participant Manual, and PowerPoint slides, and are available for download at the national CERT website.

 

CERT Course Delivery

 

The delivery of the CERT Train-the-Trainer Course and the CERT Program Manager Course may be paired of offer a 5-day block of training. States are encouraged to offer the courses and can use Homeland Security Grant Program funding to support the training.

 

States may also request an "L" delivery of either or both courses in conjunction with FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI). An "L" delivery is an EMI course that takes place in the State and is funded by the State. State Training Officers and State CERT POCs should contact Paul Benyeda at EMI for more information: Paul.Benyeda@fema.dhs.gov.

 

Both courses are also offered on-site at EMI in Emmitsburg, Maryland. For information about on-site course offerings, schedules, and the application process, please visit the EMI website »

 

 

$21,152,658 in Fire Grants Awarded in Round 5 AFGP 2011

Fire Grant News

Jan. 13, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the fifth award round for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA awarded $21,152,658 to 114 agencies. Award amounts ranged from an $11,030 EMS Equipment grant awarded to Fitch-Rona EMS District, WI, to an $873,000 Vehicle Acquisition grant awarded to Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department, VA.

 

In Round 5 AFGP, 81 fire grants totaling $11,355,630 have been awarded for Operations and Safety, and 33 fire grants totaling $9,797,028 have been awarded for Vehicle Acquisition. To-date 502 fire grants totaling $91,788,298 have been awarded to Fire Departments, EMS agencies and other First Responders nationwide, including 403 Operations and Safety fire grant awards totaling $64,998,179, and 99 Vehicle Acquisition fire grant awards totaling $26,790,119.

 

Total 2011 Appropriation for the AFG program is $345,746,980, with $259,310,235 allocated for Operations and Safety, and $86,436,745 allocated for Vehicle Acquisition. Remaining fire grant funds to be awarded are $194,312,056 for Operations and Safety (75% to be allocated) and $59,646,626 for Vehicle Acquisition (69% to be allocated).

 

See the full 2011 AFGP award list here. Check back weekly for more 2011 AFGP award updates!

 

 

Get Ready: FY 2011 SAFER Fire Grants Application Period Opens Soon

Fire Grant News

Jan. 10, 2012 - The FY 2011 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants fire grant application period will open soon. Specific dates are in the process of being confirmed, but a start date in the month of January is expected.

 

Application dates for this staffing fire grant will be posted on the AFG SAFER website, where you will find all the instructions for preparing an application.

 

In FY 2010, 448 Fire Service Agencies received $413,017,889 in funds for staffing and training for Fire Service jobs.

 

SAFER application "Get Ready Guides" are available now for Fire Departments interested in applying for this program. Posted on the SAFER website, these 3 guides help grant writers kick-start the application process. The first get ready guide covers the overall SAFER Grant program, and 2 other guides describe basic information about applying for the 2 SAFER grant activities: Hiring of Firefighters and the Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters. See "Important Information and Updates" on the SAFER website.

 

A video about the SAFER program is also available at the FEMA website.

 

 

Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Requirement for FEMA Fire Grants

Fire Grant News

Jan. 10, 2012 - FEMA and the AFG program remind Fire Service Agencies that if your organization has not yet registered in the CCR, plea