DHS Announces Application Period for Assistance to Firefighters and Safer Grants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is accepting applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The deadline for receipt of the AFG fire grant applications is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on April 8, 2005. DHS also announced that the application period for the AFG Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants will begin on May 31, 2005 and continue through June 28, 2005. Fire Prevention and Firefighter Safety grant applications will be accepted in September 2005.

The applications are automated and accessible via the AFG Web site: www.firegrantsupport.com. This Web site contains useful background information on AFG program priorities and program guidance, as well as a tutorial on applying for each program and other useful materials. Fire departments that have questions regarding these grant opportunities should contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov.

The AFG is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP). The AFG program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. In addition, in 2005 the AFG allows for non-fire based EMS organizations to apply for grants. These funds are used by the nation's firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting and emergency response operations and to improve firefighter health and safety programs. The SAFER Grants provide funding for the hiring of fire personnel and incentives for volunteer recruitment and retention. Through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2005, Congress provided $715 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, with $65 million of this funding specified for SAFER.