AFG Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

America’s biggest, most competitive fire grant

Current application period: FY 2024

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AVAILABLE NOW:

FY 2024 AFG Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY 2024 AFG Notice of Funding Opportunity Key Changes

Changes from FY 2023 to FY 2024 AFG

Below is a brief list of changes between Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and FY 2024 to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The FY 2024 AFG Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) contains some changes to definitions, descriptions, and priority categories. You can also download a PDF of this document from FEMA.

Under Narrative Evaluation Criteria

A character count for each narrative section and a link to the Narrative Development Toolkit and Self-Evaluation sheets was added.

Under Application Tips

Clarification that scores for applications with a mix of “High,” “Medium,” and “Low” priorities may be negatively impacted was added to this section. Applicants must consider priorities under each Activity listed in the NOFO when applying.

Under Equipment Activity

Clarification that FEMA will consider only “High” priority items for funding was added.

The following EMS equipment was added as High Priority:

• Suction Unit (non-disposable);
• CPAP Device;
• Power Stair Chair;
• Patient Carbon Monoxide Monitor; and
• Capnography/capnometer Device.

The following EMS equipment was added as Medium Priority:

• O2 Kit; and
• Non-disposable Splints.

The following EMS equipment was added as Low Priority:

• Stretcher;
• Backboard;
• Trauma Bag; and
• Mass Casualty Kit.

Under Wellness and Fitness Activity

A clarification that Priority 1 programs must be already in place or requested in the application before Priority 2 programs will be considered for funding. In addition, the following items were added as ineligible:

• Saunas (including infrared);
• Hyperbaric chambers;
• Ice baths; and
• Purchase of medical equipment.

Under Grant Writer/Preparation Fees:

Clarification that grant writer fee is subject to the cost share requirement was added.

About AFG fire grants

AFG is America’s largest fire grant program. Provided through FEMA and DHS, the FY 2022 AFG program awarded 1,995 fire grant awards, totaling $720 million.

What does AFG do?

AFG focuses on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The program provides financial assistance directly to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations, and State Fire Training Academies (SFTAs) for critical training and equipment.

The AFG Program has awarded over $8 billion in grant funding to provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

As of the FY 2018 AFG program, FEMA has awarded AFG fire grants to over 3,800 Fire Service and EMS organizations from coast to coast, large and small, urban and rural, including:

• Over 600 fire apparatuses
• More than 102,000 PPE items
• 124,000 other fire equipment items

Agencies awarded the FY 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) receive funds to

• Provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards
• Enhance operational efficiencies
• Foster interoperability, and
• Support community resilience

FY 2024 AFG Programs Status Update

FY 2024 AFG Application Period   

The FY 2024 AFG application period is tentatively scheduled to begin this fall. Below is a list of actions you can take NOW to start preparing. The links are to resources for the FY23 program that will be relevant for use in FY24.

• Verify your organization’s SAM.gov account is Active.
• Ensure grant writing staff have accounts with SAM.gov and appropriate permissions in FEMA GO.
• Conduct a Risk Assessment to determine your greatest needs. Compare your needs to the priorities of the program once the FY24 funding notice is released to identify what you should request.
• Poll vendors to start determining the costs of items you plan to request.
• If requesting a vehicle, establish your committee and develop specifications.
• Use the Application Checklist to gather information needed to complete the application.
• Use the Self-Evaluation Sheets to start drafting the four scored sections of the application narrative. These documents provide the exact criteria that panelists will be looking for in your narrative at panel review. There is one for Operations and Safetyand another for Vehicle
• Use the Narrative Development Toolkit to help identify ways that you can address the criteria outlined in the Self-Evaluation Sheets.
• Write your narrative now. It is easily pasted into the application once the application period opens. This will allow ample time for others to review what you’ve written and provide feedback.
• Contact your Regional Fire Program Representative with any questions.

More AFG news in FEMA’s September AFGP update

How to apply

Applicants must set up and maintain an active account in SAM.gov.

To apply for AFG, use FEMA GO.

AFG news