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Is your department looking for financial assistance to start a fire prevention or education program in your coverage area, or to expand an existing program? There are several sources you can turn to for help; some involve complicated applications and others may simply involve a visit to a local business.
Regardless of which funding source you decide on, you will be asked for information to support your request. Are you prepared?
Information you should have available
Your program should be anchored with facts supported by the findings of a risk assessment conducted by your department. The assessment of fire risk is essential in the development of an effective project goal. This assessment should consider the types of fires crews have responded to in your coverage area over the past 3-5 years and include an in-house review of available data, such as NFIRS reports to determine fire loss, burn injuries, or loss of life, as well as the causal factors and origin for each occurrence.
Your assessment should also include a detailed description of the steps taken to determine the vulnerability and identify your target audience.
I highly recommend the use of local statistics to illustrate your department’s fire risks, rather than national statistics.
In a clear, concise statement, you should summarize the precise vulnerability the project will address, including who is at risk, what the risks are, where the risks are, and how the risks can be prevented, reduced or mitigated.
This data will be useful whether you are filing an application through FEMA’s Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) program or through a private foundation.
Include an implementation plan and an evaluation
Your project proposal should include a detailed implementation plan that outlines the project’s purpose, including:
- Goals and objectives;
- Details regarding the methods and specific steps that will be used to achieve the goals and objectives;
- A timeline outlining the project’s steps; and
- Promotion details, such as who will deliver the project and the way materials or deliverables will be distributed.
You should also include a plan for evaluating the project’s effectiveness through identified measurable goals, such as determining if there has been an increase in knowledge about fire hazards or a quantifiable change in the safety behaviors of your audience. You should detail how you will measure risk at the outset of the project for later comparison to how much the risk decreased or increased after the project is finished.
Show me the money
At the national level, the FP&S grant program is open to applications annually. It supports projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations.
In many states, grant funds are offered to departments through the state’s fire marshal or fire commissioner’s office. Eligible activities funded under most state programs include fire prevention and education programs geared towards fire prevention activities. Check your state’s fire marshal website for specific opportunities.
There are also several nonprofit organizations – such as Firehouse Subs, insurance companies, financial institutions and other foundations – that offer grants to public safety organizations, including for fire prevention program funding. In addition, while not a direct funding source, the U.S. Fire Administration provides resources such as videos, pamphlets and electronic messages that you can reuse as part of your program.
Companies like Home Depot, Walmart, and even local businesses may offer a sponsorship or small grant opportunities for community safety programs. While not traditional grants, GoFundMe and local community initiatives should also be considered for financial support. These platforms can be used to raise funds for specific fire prevention projects. Organizing events like community fairs or safety days can also generate funds for fire prevention efforts.
One item to keep in mind
When pursuing any of these funding sources, ensure to carefully read the eligibility criteria and application guidelines. Tailoring your project proposals to align with the goals of the funding sources will improve your chances of securing funding.
