Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application Period Open Through May 28

The application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) opened on April 26, and applications must be received by May 28. AFG meets the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations by funding critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
 
The AFG program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Grant Program Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration. About $390 million will be distributed through the current AFG grant cycle.
 
Fire Corps members can help their department and program secure additional funds and expand their activities by helping to write the department’s AFG application. Fire Corps volunteers should work with the department chief and other leaders to identify funding needs that may be met through an AFG award.
 
An applicant tutorial is available at www.firegrantsupport.com. The tutorial provides valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. The tutorial will also provide an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria. In addition, read the Program Guidance available at www.firegrantsupport.com carefully before preparing the application.
 
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) also has resources to help departments prepare AFG applications, including the AFG and SAFER Grant Narrative Resource Center. Learn more at www.nvfc.org/afg.