The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program application period is anticipated to open Jan. 29 and run through March 8.
The AFG Program provides financial assistance for critical equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
Last year, over 400 IAFF locals received awards totaling $104,691,00 in funding.
You can prepare by attending FEMA AFG Workshops, virtual hourlong workshops covering application fundamentals, narrative development, and more. Attendees can ask questions directly to FEMA Grant Specialists.
The IAFF Grants Administration Department offers AFG, SAFER, and FP&S program guidance and narrative review of your application. To start the IAFF's grant narrative review process, Local Presidents must submit a request to FireGrants@iaff.org.
For local leaders attending ALTS 2024, the IAFF Grants Administration Department will conduct in-person workshops on Jan. 28 covering AFG and SAFER application development and tips for a successful application. IAFF Grants staff will also be onsite to answer questions.
In anticipation of the FY2023 AFG application period, below is a list of things you can do NOW to start preparing.
- Coordinate with your local officials to verify your organization’s SAM.gov account is Active and that no changes have been made.
2. Attend a 2023 AFG Application Development Workshop Webinar.
3. Conduct a Risk Assessment to determine your greatest needs.
4. Poll vendors to start determining the costs of items you plan to request.
5. If requesting a vehicle, establish your committee and develop specifications.
6. Use the Application Checklist to gather information needed to complete the application.
7. Use the Self-Evaluation Sheets to start drafting the four scored sections of the application narrative. These documents provide the exact criteria panelists will seek in your narrative at panel review. There is one for Operations & Safety and another for Vehicle applications.
8. Write your narrative. It is easily pasted into the application once the application period opens. This will allow ample time for others to review your writing and provide feedback.
You can contact the IAFF Grants Administration Department with any questions at FireGrants@iaff.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joshua Smith
Assistant to the General President - Training, Education, & Grants