21 Jan Funding Alert! Assistance to Firefighters Grants
Department of Homeland Security – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Attention fire departments and state fire training academies! The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA recently opened a funding opportunity focused on improving fire safety for the public and firefighters. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program provides direct funding to eligible entities for training and equipment.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include fire departments, state fire training academies (SFTAs), and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (NAEMS) organizations. NAEMS organizations are public or private nonprofit EMS entities providing medical transport that are not affiliated with a hospital and do not serve an area in which a fire department is adequately providing emergency medical services. Note that all applicants must register with SAM.gov and the FEMA grants system (FEMA GO) in order to submit an application, a process which can take several weeks.
What is the program goal?
The AFG program provides critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience. The program supports three different types of activities:
- Operations and Safety: includes training, basic equipment (hand tools, hose, ladders, software to support training, etc.), communications (headsets, mobile radios, etc.), EMS equipment, extrication equipment, hazardous materials response equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), wellness and fitness (medical exams, immunizations, formal fitness programs, etc.), and modifications to facilities (source capture exhaust extraction systems, sprinklers, carbon monoxide alarms, etc. – does not include new fire station construction).
- Vehicle Acquisition: can include one or multiple vehicles (within the established financial cap for the jurisdiction’s population size), such as aerial, ambulance, brush/attack, pumper, and rescue vehicles. The level of funding priority for different types of vehicles are categorized based on community type (urban, suburban, or rural).
- Regional Projects: opportunities for a fire department or NAEMS organization to host and apply for funding on behalf of itself and any number of other AFG-eligible organizations. These projects are meant to promote cost effectiveness, regional efficiency and resilience, and benefits to more than one local jurisdiction. Projects can include either vehicle acquisition or operations and safety activities, the latter of which is limited to training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and PPE expenses.
The funder expects to award 2,000 total grants for up to a two-year period of performance. Maximum award amounts vary based on the population size of the applicant’s jurisdiction, with a maximum $3.55 million available to applicants serving more than 1,000,000 residents. The AFG program requires matching funds in non-federal contributions (cash) of 15% of the total grant award. There are a few exceptions to this rate based on population size.
The proposal deadline is coming up quickly on February 12, 2021.
What makes a project a good fit?
The AFG program prioritizes funding some project activities above others. The notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) includes detailed descriptions of eligible program activities on pages 47-76, including rubrics that specify the priority level for potential activities or items within each program category.
What if I am ready to apply?
To move your project forward, take the following action steps as soon as possible:
- Review the full NOFO for additional details and project activities.
- Check out FEMA’s webpage for the AFG program, which includes FAQs, application checklists, a cost share calculator, and other helpful information.
- Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and be sure you have agov profile. You can check your SAM status here: https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/searchRecords/search.jsf.
- Begin the process of registering your organization with FEMA GO.
What if I need help with this application?
Contact Assel Grant Services (AGS) today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist, will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you a quote for grant services.
What if I am not ready to apply this year?
Start preparing for next year! FEMA has a variety of other programs and funding opportunities available that might be a good fit, including grants for hazard mitigation, preparedness, and resilience. The office’s grants page has ample resources and descriptions of available or upcoming opportunities.
How do I learn more about federal grant opportunities?
AGS is excited to offer a new Federal Grants Training Series coming in 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.
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Competency #1: Knowledge of how to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs
Skill 1.2: Identify major trends in public funding and public policy
Skill 1.6: Identify fundable programs and projects for specific organization
Skill 1.7: Determine best matches between funders and specific programs