1. Get on your mark:
• According to FEMA, the Assistance to Firefighters grant program will be opening in the near future. Typically, they accept grant applications for 30 days. This isn’t a lot of time to prepare your application. So I suggest you begin now!
2. Get Set:
• Determine what the AFG program will fund. Last year’s guidance will give you a very strong indication of what FEMA will want to fund this year. Only apply for “high priority” items, as determined in the guidance (medium and low priority items rarely get funded). Email me if you need a list of the high priority funding items.
• Find a match between what AFG funds and what your department needs: What are your biggest operational threats? What equipment do you urgently need to enhance fireground operations and firefighter safety? If you would like brainstorm your grant request, you are welcome to give me a call.