Assistance to Firefighters Grant

Over 10,000 Applicants - What are the chances ?

As we approach another anticipated Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program it is essential that we begin to prepare and understand the process. Prior to the notice of funding we must first prepare ourselves. This includes collecting and updating any departmental information. Additionally, this includes ensuring SAM Account Information is up to date and registered. You will also have to register and update any FEMA Go information that may be required. Start the process early by doing your homework, begin by conducting thorough needs assessments to determine what you want to apply for and, of course, start early. Gathering cost estimates and compiling important data such as call volume, coverage area, and census data.

Understand that the AFG consists of 3 main categories broken into 7 different areas. Operations and Safety consists of equipment, personal protective equipment, facility modifications, health & wellness, and training.

Vehicle application & acquisition is a highly competitive category where it will require your organization to state the needs, show the reasons why, and match it to your community.

The last type is a regional application. These are applications jointly agreed upon by multiple departments within an area under an agreement in which they share the awarded funding for a common purpose.

As a recap, total awards for the 2021 AFG Grant Period As of 12-2022 have awarded 1,841 departments nationwide, totaling $325,875,168. Breaking it down further to New Jersey only, 60 departments have been successfully selected as award recipients totaling just under $7,400,000. Only 3.25 % of successful grant applications awarded were from New Jersey.

As this is a very tedious and cumbersome process please do not hesitate to reach out to RCD Group Solutions to assist in achieving success in your organization!