FIRE Act Grant Application Opens August 15

August 8, 2011 -- The application period for Fiscal Year 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (FIRE Act) program will begin August 15 and run through September 9, 2011. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has posted a Get Ready Guide to help with the grant application process, as well as a review of the program guidance and application kit. For additional assistance, call or email the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960.

Click here to learn more and start your online application online.

The IAFF encourages its affiliates to work with their fire departments to apply for these grants, which are awarded to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country and are designed to improve response capabilities and more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards, help local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs and buy equipment and response vehicles.

As of August 2010, prime recipients of federal grants are now required to register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system. Potential grantees are not required to register, but may wish to do so now in anticipation of receiving an award.

How to register:
1. Obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet. A DUNS number is a required to submit an application.
2. Once you have a DUNS number, register here. For more information on grantee registration in the CCR system, click here.

For additional assistance, call or email the Assistance to Firefighters grant program Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or email firegrants@dhs.gov.

Click here for a schedule of grant preparation workshops or click here for "Rules and Tools" resources.

The FIRE Act program is administered by the DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.