Application Period Begins for Firefighters Seeking Federal Grant

WILMINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced that the open application for the FY2013 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants began on Feb. 18 and will run through 5 p.m. on March 21, 2014. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S), which are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), provides $32 million to support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and reduce injury and prevent death.

“Every day, firefighters and other first responders put their lives on the line for the safety of our communities, both in Delaware and throughout the country.  But in order for them to do their jobs safely, the federal government must provide access to the equipment and training that they need,” Sen. Carper said. “FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grants program is a great opportunity for fire departments to get funding for the equipment and training needed to save lives. I encourage all of Delaware’s fire departments to consider applying for this important grant.”

Activities Eligible for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants:

• Fire Prevention and Safety Activity: Projects designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards.

• Eligible applicants for the Fire Prevention and Safety Activity include fire departments, national, regional, state, and local organizations, Native American tribal organizations, and/or community organizations recognized for their experience and expertise in fire prevention and safety programs and activities. Private and public nonprofit organizations and Housing Authorities are eligible.

• Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity: Projects aimed at improving firefighter safety, health and wellness through research and development that reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries.

• Eligible applicants for the Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity include national, regional, state, local, or community organizations, such as academic institutions (i.e. universities), public health, occupational health, and injury prevention institutions, especially those recognized for experience and expertise in firefighter safety research and development programs or whose applications demonstrate strong research and development experience and expertise whose research has potential to improve firefighter safety. Private and public nonprofit organizations and non-Federal and non-governmental organizations are also eligible to apply for funding. Fire departments are not eligible to apply for funding under this activity. For-profit organizations and other federal organizations are not eligible to apply for FP&S Grants.

Resources for FP&S Applicants

A number of resources have been developed to help potential applicants plan and submit their FP&S grant applications. The following resources can be downloaded from the FP&S Grants Web page:

• FY 2013 FP&S Application Get Ready Guide. A short guide to help you kick-start your grant application and identify and address the most important elements of all the grant application questions.
• FY 2013 FP&S Grant Self-Evaluation. Based on the application scoring dimensions used by peer reviewers, these tools can help you assess your organization’s readiness to apply for a grant and help you plan your grant application.
• FY 2013 FP&S Research & Development Get Ready Guide. The online tutorial helps applicants to learn about the purpose and goals of the FP&S Grants, identify eligible activities and eligible organizations, explain FP&S funding priorities and evaluation criteria, and walk you through the application process.
• FY 2013 FP&S Grants Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Video for FP&S Grant Applicants. Another tool that provides a short overview of the FP&S Grant Program, including highlights of eligible activities.

AFG Help Desk. If you have questions about the online application, Guidance and Application Kit, or any of the resources, contact the AFG Help Desk by telephone (toll-free at 1-866-274-0960) or by e-mail (firegrants@dhs.gov). Help Desk Specialists will be available during the application period, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.