Successful Fire Grant Application Tips

Have you ever wondered exactly what people who approve fire grant applications are looking for when they make their decisions?

If you’ve ever wished for an insider’s perspective on fire grant applications, you don’t want to miss our new publication, An Insider’s Guide to a Successful Fire Grant Application, created with input from one of the industry’s top grant experts.

What Makes an Insider?

With the help of an industry expert, we’ve compiled 10 critical must-know tips to help you find success with your next fire grant application. This veteran fire chief has, over the last 17 years, participated in multiple fire grant writing programs by submitting, receiving, and managing grants, receiving more than $4.5 million in grant funding in the last 5 years alone. Armed with this perspective, your next grant proposal will definitely benefit from a more complete and competitive application.

Whether it’s your first time submitting a grant application, or you’ve attempted it in the past with varying degrees of success, you’ve probably come to realize the truth in the old saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” In fact, sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start.

Top Tips for Your Fire Department Grant Application

As you begin planning for your next grant application, keep in mind these tips to avoid potential roadblocks, prepare the right information, and submit a successful application.

Tip 1: Self-Evaluate

Each grant is different and has its own eligibilities. Using a self-evaluation form can help ensure you’re choosing the right grants for your agency’s needs.

Tip 2: Know the Grant Rules

Everything you need to know about the grant you are applying for is in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Thoroughly explore and review to ensure you’re not missing even the smallest detail.

Tip 3: Make Your Department High Priority

Learn how to align your stats and goals with the grant’s priorities – typical listed in its NOFO. Utilizing your own data and vision, you can make your application stand out above the rest.

Tip 4: Attend a Meeting or Webinar

Organizations like FEMA often host events to learn more about specific grants. Don’t miss the live chance to clarify and question the details, ensuring your application is more complete and competitive.

Tip 5: Include a Letter of Support

Did you know that many grant organizations will only fulfill a certain percentage of your funding request? Be prepared with a letter of support from your local governing body that states it will help make up the difference in funding, and improve your chances at receiving the grant.

To learn more about these five tips (including real world examples) and explore the remaining five tips, download the full free guide now.