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Beginning March 6, 2005, at 8:00 a.m.
eastern standard time, the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin
accepting applications for Assistance
to Firefighters Grants (AFG). The deadline
for receipt of the AFG "fire grant"
applications is 5:00 p.m. eastern daylight
time on April 7, 2006. AFG applications
are automated and accessible via the
AFG web site: www.firegrantsupport.com.
The web site contains important information
on the AFG, including the FY2006 funding
priorities and program guidance, a web
based tutorial on the application process,
a listing of frequently asked questions,
and other materials.
Fire departments that have questions
regarding this grant opportunity should
contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960
or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the
application period, Help Desk hours
will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
Monday
through Friday, and on Saturdays from
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional
help desk hours may be added if demand
is high.
The AFG is administered by the Department
of Homeland Security's Office
of Grants and Training (G&T) in
cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration
(USFA). The AFG program assists rural,
urban and suburban fire departments
throughout the United States. In addition
the AFG accepts applications from nonaffiliated
EMS organizations for the activities
(equipment, training, vehicles, etc.)
for which fire departments are also
eligible to apply.
The AFG program office offers three
grant opportunities in each year. AFG
"fire grant" funds are used
by the nation's firefighters and first
responders to increase the effectiveness
of firefighting and emergency response
operations. The application period for
SAFER grants is scheduled for June of
2006. SAFER grants provide funding for
the hiring of firefighting personnel
and incentives for volunteer recruitment
and retention. The third grant opportunity
will be in September 2006 when the AFG
program office opens an application
period for Fire Prevention and Safety
grants. These grants support not only
fire departments, but also other organizations
experienced in fire prevention and in
firefighter safety research. Through
the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act of 2006, Congress
provided $648 million for the Assistance
to Firefighters Grants, with $108 million
of the funding specified for SAFER grants
and a minimum of $27 million for the
Fire Prevention and Safety grants.
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