Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Application Season is in Bloom

The 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application process opens Monday, April 26, 2010. As trees throughout Iowa are now in full bloom, so too is this important funding stream for fire departments across the country. 

A few notes of interest for your AFG planning:
1. $390 million in funding is available nationwide, compared to $520 million last year
2. Your application must center around the program purpose, "To protect public and fire service personnel from fire and all other hazards."
3. If your department needs a Priority 1 item, that is your best chance for potential fit and funding with the AFG program
4. Make sure each item you click on the online application process is very carefully selected, including how you categorize your department. Careful selection and a clear need calculated automatically by your question responses will make you more likely to get to panel review
5. Avoid using any model numbers or brand names in your application to demonstrate your commitment to a fair and open bidding process if your application is funded
6. Review your guidance document in detail at this link. Print out your application and carefully review it before final submission.
7.  Relate only local information in your narrative. Write concisely for your peers. Include a clear statement on the consequences of not receiving an AFG award. A two page narrative is ideal based on the volume considered at peer review


FlashPoint Fundraising provides grant writing services for AFG and other programs on a project fee, not-percentage basis. Contact Dawn Svenson Holland to discuss whether your department may be a fit for this program today!