Only 10 Days Remain in FY2007 AFG Application Period

WASHINGTON — The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program office is reminding fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical organizations that ten days now remain in the FY2007 fire grant application period. The application period for AFG began March 29, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and ends 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 4, 2007. If you have started an application, please be sure to complete it and submit it before the deadline. All applications must be submitted (hit the submit button in the online application) to be considered for a grant award.
  
AFG makes available competitive grants for equipment, training, firefighter and first responder safety and response vehicles. 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 FY2007 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.

The AFG is administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. 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 2007. 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 2007 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 2007, Congress provided $662 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, with $115 million of the funding specified for SAFER grants and a minimum of $27 million for the Fire Prevention and Safety grants.