The foundation for a successful grant application begins by reading the program guidelines. In layman's terms, these are the instructions for the grant process.
FEMA now calls this document the Funding Opportunity Announcement, or FOA. This document provides all of the information concerning grant eligibility, program priorities, filing deadlines and application assistance. The next step is to determine your eligibility. Answering these four questions will determine how and if can you proceed.
1) Is your organization eligible to apply for the grant?
2) Is your project eligible for funding under the guidelines?
3) Is the amount of funding that you need within the limits of the grant?
4) Are you authorized by your organization to file this application? If you are ready to move forward with an application, you need to understand the different types of funding components within AFG and your eligibility to apply under them. Fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations may apply for each, any or all of the five Operations and Safety component activities (training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modification to facilities).