The FY 2019 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant application period is open April 13 – May 15 at 5 PM ET.
SAFER grants provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the NFPA (NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720).
Below are some helpful resources to craft your grant applications.
FEMA Resources
• Information about SAFER grants is available on the FEMA SAFER webpage.
• Check out the FY 2019 SAFER Notice of Funding Opportunity (pdf) (NOFO) with all detailed information about applying for these grants.
• Departments are encouraged to use/review the checklists, FAQs, and other helpful documents on the FEMA SAFER webpage.
• FEMA will host live Adobe Connect webinars to provide an overview of the FY 2019 SAFER Grant Program, including both the Hiring of Firefighters Activity and the Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters Activity. They will include information and reminders about cost share requirements (hiring activity), program priorities, eligible costs, how to complete the grant application, and tips for preparing an application. Each webinar is from 2 - 4 PM ET. Dates are: SAFER Hiring of Firefighters Activity: 4/15, 4/23 and 4/29. SAFER Recruitment & Retention of Volunteer Firefighters Activity: 4/16, 4/22 and 4/30.
Questions? Email Firegrants@fema.dhs.gov
IAFC Resources
Looking for grant assistance? FireGrantsHelp can help with grant writing and submission. IAFC members receive a 25% discount by using code IAFC25. Contact FireGrantsHelp now to help with a successful proposal.
Need some ideas for your SAFER volunteer recruitment and retention application? Check out the IAFC's Volunteer Workforce Solutions services that you can use to strengthen your recruitment/retention efforts. Also, the IAFC's Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) has some great educational opportunities and leadership classes that can help with recruitment and retention.