In 2018, the United States Fire Act Grant Program administered by FEMA awarded 700 million dollars of funding to a mix of volunteer and career fire departments and EMS agencies. Since the program began in 2001, the majority of fire grant funding has been used by fire departments to purchase firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and apparatus. There are also funds that are specifically granted for staffing and personnel training. That is just one of many options available for fire departments that are looking for grant funding, but many departments aren’t taking full advantage of these opportunities.
Grant writing is a time-consuming and challenging process for many departments, but done correctly it can lead to the funds needed to improve operations and safety. That’s why we created this white paper, “How to Get More Grant Funding,” which explains what to expect when applying for grants, where to find them, and how to make the most of your efforts to receive them. It also covers a list of common mistakes made during the application process to watch out for.
Your records management system (RMS) is at the heart of your grant writing process. It’s what allows you track and sort through the vast amount of information your department gathers throughout the year. Using your RMS to pull relevant data that supports your narrative is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your grant applications. This white paper will lead you to specific reports that help demonstrate your department’s value to the community, examine and defend your budget, and highlight your unique needs.
If you are interested in developing a high-quality proposal and your department doesn’t have an RMS, now is the time to invest in one. Emergency Reporting offers a comprehensive, easy-to-use RMS solution that can be tailored to fit any department’s needs. If this sounds like something that your department might benefit from, click the button below for a no-strings-attached free trial to see if our product is the right fit for you.
Other Helpful Grant Writing Resources:
Guides:
• NVFC’s Grant Writing Guide
• FEMA’s Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services.
FEMA Grants:
• Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG)
• Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S)
• Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
Websites:
• https://www.grants.gov/
• https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/frg-grants
• https://www.firegrantshelp.com/
• https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/grant-funding