Grants for Volunteer Fire Departments
Fire departments play an integral role in keeping Americans safe. Jurisdictions that can't afford a paid fire department rely on volunteer firefighters to protect their communities. The federal government funds several grant programs to help volunteer fire departments acquire equipment and other necessities.
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SAFER Grants
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The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (see Resources), overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides eligible volunteer fire departments with resources to train personnel. The funds can also be used to create or enhance recruitment and retention programs.
Volunteer Fire Assistance Program
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The Volunteer Fire Assistance Program (see Resources) is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. It provides funds for rural fire departments to acquire equipment and other firefighting necessities. Communities with fewer than 10,000 people are eligible, and all awarded funds must be matched by a source outside the federal government.
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Assistance to Firefighters
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The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program (see Resources) is a competitive awards program, managed by FEMA, that provides winning fire departments with the resources to obtain emergency vehicles, protective equipment and training. The amount of the award depends on the size and needs of the eligible department. Grants awarded in 2010 ranged from just under $9,000 to about $1 million.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit firemen at work image by Edward White from Fotolia.com
