SAFER Grant Application Period Open

June 3, 2008 – The IAFF encourages its affiliates and their fire departments to apply for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Services (SAFER) grants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began accepting applications May 27, 2008. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 27, 2008.

Under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2008, Congress appropriated $190 million for SAFER Grants, a more than 60 percent increase from FY2007.

Tools are available at the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program web site to assist applicants in preparing a competitive application for SAFER grants, including an applicant tutorial and FAQs. Applications are automated and also accessible from this web site.

The SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).