This section is for fire departments and nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Service organizations, and contains information on the firefighter grant program, grant application assistance tools, previous grant awards, grant statistics and more.
Overview
The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
AFG Program Update:
OPEN APPLICATION PERIOD ANNOUNCEMENT: The FY 2019 AFG Application Period is now open through March 13, 2020 at 5 p.m. ET. Begin preparing now by reviewing the available guidance materials below.
FY 2019 AFG Application Guidance Materials:
- FY 2019 AFG Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) - Available Now
- 2019 AFG Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 2019 AFG Cost Share Calculator
- 2019 AFG Application Checklist
- 2019 AFG Narrative Get Ready Guide - Narrative
- 2019 AFG Organization Evaluation - Vehicle Acquisition
- 2019 AFG Organization Evaluation - Operations & Safety
Application Portal Access - Apply Now
FY 2019 AFG Application Webinars
FEMA is holding a series of live application walk-throughs to assist applicants navigate through the new FEMA GO online grant application. Live webinars will take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays throughout the open application period. Please refer the Webinar Schedule Page for all dates and times.
Grantee Federal Financial Report (FFR) Notification Notice
For the Dec. 31, 2019 reporting, all grant recipients with an open Period of Performance in the AFG e-grants system must submit a Semi-Annual SF-425 Form Federal Financial Report (FFR) by Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. Click here for additional information and instructions.
AFG Application Guidance Materials
FY 2018 AFG Application Portal
FEMA GO Webinars
AFGP staff will host a series live webinar to educate organizations on how to manage their grant in FEMA GO. The webinars will teach attendees about the FEMA GO system, how to register, and accept a pending grant award. FEMA staff will be available to answer any questions concerning transitioning to the new system. View the webinar schedule for dates and times.
Assistance to Firefighters Grants - Turndown Webinar Schedule
The Assistance to Firefighters Program will be hosting a series of webinars for applicants who have received a turn-down notification recently. This webinar is specifically designed for fire and non-affiliated EMS organizations whose applications were not funded for FY 2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant. We are hoping that by attending this webinar unsuccessful applications will be able to review their own applications and determine how they can improve in the future.
For additional information, visit the Webinar Schedule Page.
AFG Economic Hardship Waiver Policy
The purpose of this guidance is to provide AFG, FP&S and SAFER grantees with guidance on requesting a waiver or reduction of their non-federal funds cost share requirement, maintenance of effort requirement, or both, in cases of demonstrated economic hardship (an "Economic Hardship Waiver"). This guidance provides the minimum requirements for eligibility to request an Economic Hardship Waiver and the process and mechanism for requesting an Economic Hardship Waiver.
Please contact the AFG Program Help Desk with questions or comments by calling 1-866-274- 0960 or email at firegrants@dhs.gov.
AFG Program Videos
Although the AFG Program Office strives to make the information contained in these videos as timely and accurate as possible, the videos were not intended to be used as substitutes for reading the latest Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or guidance documents. The AFG program office makes no promises, claims or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the contents of these videos, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of these videos.
- AFG Vehicle Grants
This video was produced to provide an overview of how to apply for a vehicle grant, AFG's most competitive grant activity.
Duration: 17 minutes - Procurement Integrity
This video was produced to provide an overview of proper contract procurement for grantees.
Duration: 17 minutes - Getting a Grant
This video was produced to provide an overview of how to prepare a competitive grant application.
Duration: 22 minutes
OTHER RESOURCES
- AFG Workshop Schedule
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- AFG Turndown Webinar Schedule
- Grantee Award List Archive
- AFG E-Mail Alert
- Grant Closeout Updates
- Glossary of Terms
- Environmental Historic Preservation (EHP) Screening Form
- NFPA Fire Service Needs Assessment
- Submit Your AFG, SAFER, FP&S Success Stories
- Contact Information For The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and Help Desk
- U.S. Fire Administration Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) Information for AFG Applicants