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The Fund Finder News
Public Safety Grants Consulting

The Fund Finder News
A Bi-Weekly Grants News and Information Update By Kurt Bradley
Issue 10, September 10, 2004

"Fire Prevention Grant Time Again"

This week's column is short and sweet. After being hit with Hurricane Charley and Frances, we're hunkering down again for Ivan. Pray for all of us here in "devastation land".

The Fire Prevention Grant Program opened for applications on Sept. 1. Deadline is Sept. 30, and already a number of departments have contacted me for assistance in preparing their applications.

As you work on your narrative for the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant application, here are some quick tips to make your narrative stronger and more persuasive:

  1. Be sure your program addresses the grant's priorities, if you expect to be funded. This year's priorities are for prevention programs directed at children under age 14 and senior citizens over age 65.
  2. Read the guidelines documents several times. Pay close attention to words such as "must", "shall" or "should". That should tip you off to areas you must emphasize in your narrative.
  3. Write and save your narratives in an MS-Word document format (.doc). Word is widely used, so you'll find it easier to share your work with others who can act as proofreaders and give you feedback on how your proposal is shaping up. Its tools and functions also allow you to edit your work more efficiently. When you are ready with the final draft, all you have to do is "copy and paste" the document into the online narrative form in Grants Management System application.
  4. Remember to show that your department is "needy, not greedy". Shop around and compare price ranges. When quoting prices, it is better to give the range of prices you have found instead of a locked-in number. That gives the USFA the option to fund a lesser amount for your agency, if their funds pool starts running low. Many 2003 applications were rejected because departments did not include a price range. Remember, it's better to get some money than none!
  5. Quote the sources of all statistics in the narrative. Reviewers do check these statistics.
  6. Outline identifiable goals and objectives. Then explain how you will measure these goals and objectives. For example, conduct before-and-after surveys, enlisting the help of community organizations (such as asking the local Boy Scout troop to do a door-to-door survey of how many homes have smoke detectors). Community support and involvement is a big plus for your application.

All that said, the most important bit of advice I can offer you is do not procrastinate! The application deadline is Sept. 30. Write your narrative. Complete your application. There are links, application resources, and other grant info on CHIEF Grants' Fire Prevention Grant Program information. In the words of comedian Larry "The Cable Guy," "Get 'er done!"

Good luck.

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