New ‘Micro-Grants’ in AFG Criteria Could be a Great Option for Volunteers

AFG applicants need to complete SAM registration before they apply

Volunteer fire departments looking to obtain basic equipment and training through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program this year should consider applying for a Micro-Grant (MG). MGs are for AFG applicants seeking funding in the “Operations and Safety” portion of the grant that will have a federal share of $25,000 or less. Departments are only eligible to apply for one grant per year through AFG, including MGs.

In recent years, funding for volunteer fire departments through the AFG program has decreased significantly, from $217 million in FY 2009 to just $84.4 million in FY 2011. There are several reasons for this, including a decrease in the total funding available and a programmatic shift towards making more large awards to bigger departments and through regional grants. The purpose of MGs is to give smaller departments that desperately need basic equipment and training a better chance of getting a grant.

While the completion and submission process for MGs is the same as a traditional application, it is anticipated that the review, scoring and awarding of MGs will be streamlined compared to other applications. Because these applications are less complex comparatively speaking, AFG will have dedicated reviewers to evaluate them. During the award recommendation process, AFG may provide additional review and consideration to MG applications.

The AFG application period opened on November 4 and is scheduled to close on December 6. This year, applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting their applications. The AFG office is encouraging potential applicants to complete SAM registration as soon as possible.