Division of Fire Safety News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2018

Grant Funding Opportunity: Assistance to Firefighters Grants

Application Deadline: Oct. 26, 2018; Total Grant Funds Available: $315 million

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced late this month that an estimated $315 million is available to assist local fire departments, EMS organizations and state fire training academies across the nation. But eligible applicants must move quickly to meet the Oct. 26, 2018 application deadline. The Federal Emergency Management Agency anticipates making a total of 2,500 awards across the nation.

The funding is available through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program, administered by theFEMA. The AFG Program is designed to raise the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperable communications, and support community resilience.

In awarding the grants, FEMA is required to consider the following:

  • Findings and recommendations of the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP).
  • Degree to which an award will reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage by reducing the risks   associated with fire related and other hazards.
  • Extent of an applicant’s need for an AFG grant and the need to protect the United States as a whole.

 

AFG has three program activities:

  • Operations and safety
  • Vehicle acquisition
  • Regional projects

 

Under the program, grant recipients must contribute a percentage of the federal grant amount. For small and medium sized grant recipients, such as in Missouri, the local share would be 5 to 10 percent, depending on the local population. Exceptions can be granted.  The grant performance period is projected to be from Nov. 12, 2018 to Nov. 11, 2019.

Grant applications are made directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For questions see:

For additional information go to: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1537358415609-a41e39f89add13ddb4a1fc7b5f66c036/FY_2018_AFG_NOFO.pdf



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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov