2003 Application Packets

[LTSATCH]

Anyone have any idea when the applications for the 2003 round of grants are coming out? Thanks, Dave

[Flashpoint4]

USFA did a press release on Feb. 10, 2003 that the application period for 2003 is presently schedule to begin on March 3 and continue through April 4, however the 2003 funding level is currently not known. They didn't say when the packets would be ready.

[fireboat2]

Check the FEMA site. They have posted information about the 2003 FIRE ACT. May be on the USFA web site.

[LTSATCH]

Thanks guy's I looked at FEMA and USFA and didn't see a date. Must have missed it. Again, thanks, Dave

[CaptianFire]

On our 2002 application there is a link to the 2003 grant app but after I clicked it and it is not ready.

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

Since the President has not signed the budget package, the amount is not law yet. Congress just approved $750 million, so as soon as the "George W." shows up on the dotted line, FEMA can publish the rules documents and set up the application system. Hopefully y'all have your ideas together and have already started to get pricing for whatever you're applying for. Again, research some of the older posts for tons of advice from lots of people. Download that Powerpoint presentation from USFA and read it. If you don't have Powerpoint, Microsoft makes a free Powerpoint viewer available so that you can:

http://microsoft.com/downloads/detai...displaylang=en

If this link doesn't work because it's so long or whatever reason, go to www.microsoft.com/powerpoint and there will be a link for "Viewers" and just follow that until you get deep enough. The PowerPoint 97 Viewer is what you want. It will work even though it only says 97.

Good luck, and make sure your app is a good solution for the problem. There's plenty of green so hopefully twice as many apps will get funded.

Stay Safe.

Brian

[dragonfyre]

We had our FEMA workshop Thursday night (2/13).

Their schedule is as follows:
February (no date): Publish Final Rule, NOFA and Program Guidance.

March 3: Applications Available On-Line.

April 4: Deadline for Applications.

Late April: Begin Panel Reviews.

Late May: Begin Awarding Grants.

This year's workshop was a lot better than last year's as they actually gave a mini-grant writing seminar. The woman who gave ours has worked on her fire company's application last year before she got this assignment so she knows the program from both ends.

[toddmcbr]

I'm not quite sure I understand this article.... What do you make of it? Is there going to be money for the FIRE Act?

http://www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/news...9314C49010F59D

If that link doesnt work just go to www.nlc.org, It's right there on the front page.

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

Yes, as long as Bush sign the bill from Congress (which he has stated he would), the $750 million will be there. The funds that this article is talking about are different grant programs within FEMA. Until 2004, the FireAct Grants are not officially in FEMA's budget, as are the ones mentioned in the article. It is a seperate program who's funding has to be approved into law by Congress and the President, and it is just administered by FEMA. Next year, FEMA will be set under the Department of Homeland Security, and it already has a budget of $500 million for the FireACT Grant Program, so Congress will not be approving FireACT as a seperate program.

Good Luck, and happy narrative writing.

Brian

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

True, but that doesn't mean they are going to award anyone who doesn't follow the rules either. Again, it's a grant, not welfare, which is why there are rules. I agree, those that have taken care of one of their deficiencies should come after those that haven't taken care of any, as long as they fulfill the requirements of the program. Definitely read that FireEngineering.com article by the one peer reviewer(Dec 2002 issue, now online also). He said the bulk of the applications that got thrown out were because of math and spelling errors. That was one of the things that was mentioned several times over the course of the application process. Have at least 5 other people read the application and the rules and get their feedback. That will eliminate errors like that. Confusing narratives were another issue that the reviewers had. And since the Rules just came out, I'd suggest everyone go get them at USFA's web site and start reading now. Good luck.

Brian