(SAFER) Grants
05/29/2006

Beginning May 30, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. eastern daylight time, the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin accepting
applications for SAFER grants. The deadline for receipt of the SAFER
grant applications will be 5:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on June 30, 2006.

The applications will be automated and will be accessible from the
website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program at
www.firegrantsupport.com. The Website also provides useful
information on the program priorities and process that are discussed
in the SAFER Program Guidance. A list of Frequently Asked Questions
is available and will be updated as the program staff learns the
areas of inquiry that are most often presented. An applicant
tutorial on the SAFER grant, designed to instruct users on the
preparation and submittal of competitive applications, will also be
available at www.firegrantsupport.com on or about Tuesday, May 30.
Applicants who have questions regarding the SAFER grant opportunities
should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at
firegrants@dhs.gov. During the SAFER application period, the help
desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(EDT), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume and demand.

Eligible applicants for SAFER grants include fire departments (for
the hiring of firefighters) and state or local organizations as well
as volunteer and combination fire departments (for volunteer
recruitment and retention grants). Applicants will note that the
SAFER application is very similar in appearance to the "fire grants"
application, but all applicants are strongly encouraged to read the
program guidance, and utilize all other materials at the AFG website.

The AFG is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's
Office of Grants and Training (G&T) in cooperation with the United
States Fire Administration. Through the Department of Homeland
Security Appropriations Act of 2005, Congress provided $108 million
for the SAFER grants.