With the 2024 AFG application window now open, eligible departments and agencies should begin preparing applications and confirming necessary registrations.
The goal of the AFG program is to equip first responders, improve compliance with safety standards, and support community resilience. This year’s program is focused on three areas:
- Operations and safety (training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and PPE);
- Vehicle acquisition; and
- Regional projects.
Changes for the 2024 AFG application
- Narrative evaluation: Application narratives have a character limit, and high-priority projects are preferred. Applications with a mix of priorities may see reduced scores.
- Updated equipment priority list: High Priority now includes suction units, CPAP devices, carbon monoxide monitors, capnometers and power stair chairs. Medium priority now includes O2 kits and non-disposable splints, while Low Priority now includes stretchers, backboards, trauma bags and mass casualty kits.
- Ineligible projects: For wellness and fitness activities, several items were determined to be ineligible for funding, including saunas, hyperbaric chambers, ice baths and purchases of medical equipment.
Need help applying? Check out the FireGrantsHelp Grant Writing Program for coordination and application assistance.
Key deadlines
- FEMA GO application deadline: Dec. 20 by 5:00 p.m. EST
- Last day to accept contracts: Dec. 6, 2024
Eligible funding
Total available funding: $291,600,000, with an estimated 2,000 awards.
Note: Regional applicants are held to the aggregate population and associated maximums of all participating partners. If attempting to submit a regional and an independent application the individual application is impacted by how much is being requested through the regional award. Example: If the regional app serves a population of 100k or fewer and requests a regional award of $1M (max for that population size), then the host has met the cap and is not eligible for additional funds.
Cost share requirement
- 5% for populations under 20,000
- 10% for populations between 20,001 and 1 million
- 15% for populations over 1 million
Note: For regional applicants, the cost share is based on the aggregate population of all participating partners.
Who is eligible
- Fire departments: Recognized departments across the U.S. and territories with a defined response area.
- Nonaffiliated EMS organizations: Nonprofit EMS organizations that are not affiliated with hospitals and cover areas not serviced by a fire department.
- State Fire Training Academies (SFTA): Must be designated by state legislation or the governor’s declaration and recognized by the National Fire Academy.
Note: Non-federal airport and port authority organizations are eligible only if they have an agreement with local jurisdictions to provide first-due response beyond their facilities.
AFG application preparation checklist
Before you begin the application process, check to ensure you are ready and armed with accurate information:
- Check your registration: Confirm your agency’s SAM.gov registration is active.
- FEMA GO account status: Make sure you have an established Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) for your FEMA GO account.
- Project timelines: Ensure your project’s plan meets the grant’s required 24-month period of performance, though FEMA has indicated that extensions may be available if supply chain or delivery delays are outside the applicant’s control.
- Project priority: Determine if you are requesting a High Priority project, which might make a difference in fund distribution.
- Community profile: Gather data on population size, water supply coverage, land use, and area size for your community, as these details can influence eligibility and funding needs.
- Microgrant applicants: Agencies applying for microgrants for which they have applied in the past but were not funded may receive additional scoring consideration.
Deliverables
Recipients must collect data and report on several program metrics once funding has been received, such as:
- Member compliance with NFPA and OSHA standards
- PPE availability for 100% of members
- Achievement of firefighter training levels
- Wellness and fitness program implementation for operational readiness
Start preparing now
Interested agencies are encouraged to prepare early, ensuring their applications are complete and well-documented before the December 2024 deadlines. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure funding to enhance safety and operational efficiency in your community. Visit GrantFinder for resources and support in completing your application.