Occasionally, I’ll post links to specific funding opportunities on this blog post. Today’s posting features funding for fire departments and fire safety – very important in this time of dire economic need when our public safety departments, often funded by City and County general funds, are facing serious layoffs and budget shortfalls. Please note: FEMA’s 2010 fiscal year grant applications will not be accessbile until January 3rd, 2011, but here’s a sneak preview:

First, FEMA has released a NOFA (Notice of Funds Available) for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants which will fund fire prevention activities, education and research and also to enhance fire departments’ and nonaffiliated EMS organizations’ firefighting and emergy response needs by funding additional tools and resources necessary to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public. Maximum grant award is $2,750,000. Fire departments and non-affiliated EMS organizations are eligible to apply. Deadline is February 4, 2011. Review the funding guidelines at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/docs/FY2010_FPSGuidance.pdf

Applications will be available at the following websites:

• AFG:  www.firegrantsupport.com
• US Fire Administration: www.usfa.FEMA.gov
• Grants.gov website: www.grants.gov