|
Testimonials
Fire Chief Lee Jeffcoat, Holly Springs Volunteer Fire District, Spartanburg County S.C.
Winner, 2008 CHIEF's "More Responsive" Equipment Grant for National Seminar Graduates
As a CHIEF Grants student I have attended multiple seminars and have been well satisfied. I have been able to obtain well over $500,000 in alternate funding for my fire district, including projects like a new station, apparatus, LDH, PPE and many others. Over a dozen lives have been saved in our community by using equipment and training funded by grants. Without this funding we most likely would have had to discontinue operations in several life- and property-saving service areas, as growth quickly outruns the tax revenue.
I highly recommend attending a CHIEF Grants seminar, both for learning the basics for grant writing, but learning where to locate funding sources and proper presentation. CHIEF Grants even provided me with a source that completely funded the cost of the course and hotel stays. Thanks Kurt, Margaret and CHIEF!
top of page
Jeannie Bogner, Administrative Assistant, Wake Forest Fire Department, N.C.
Winner, 2008 CHIEF's "More Responsive" Equipment Grant for National Seminar Graduates
I have been interested in getting into writing grants for several years, and when I began working for the Wake Forest Fire Department as their administrative assistant, I was offered the opportunity for getting some grant training. The first grant class I took was informative, and I thought I had gotten a lot out of it. Then I attended a CHIEF Grants Seminar (January 2007)... and COULD NOT BELIEVE the difference! I learned more in the first 2 hours of my CHIEF Grants class than I did in the 16 hours I received from the "other" class. In fact, I received so much training…I decided to attend a second CHIEF Grants class in January 2008!
Using a "no-nonsense, down-to-business" approach to their teaching, Kurt and Margaret are totally committed to all of us whose interest is in nabbing cash for our various public safety organizations. Their presentation is intense, in-depth, down-to-earth and totally dedicated to helping the "ESO" organizations to get the needed equipment, personnel, etc., that we need to keep our communities protected. They teach all aspects of the grant-writing process, as well as provide precious "inside information," that will help you get what you need.
The fact that they both have actually worked in various public safety positions further lends credibility and focus to their seminars…and, after you leave the class, Kurt and Margaret do not leave YOU! They offer support and valuable critiques as you jump in and start applying for and writing your own grants. I cannot express to everyone enough, how valuable that CHIEF Grants Seminars are! The level of training is bar-none the best!
Sign up TODAY!
top of page
Sgt. J. C. Cervenka, Savage Police Department, Savage, MN
Winner, 2008 CHIEF's "More Responsive" Equipment Grant for National Seminar Graduates
I attended the CHIEF grant-writing seminar in September 2007. I had spent several years researching grant writing and wading through numerous web sites about federal and state grants. I had also looked for affordable law enforcement-specific grant writing courses, to no avail. By the time I attended the CHIEF course, I had learned quite a bit about grants and grant writing and had already successfully written a few small, local grants.
I wish I had taken the CHIEF class first. In two days, they taught what I had spent hundreds of hours learning on my own. They confirmed the knowledge I already had, and gave further information and insights on things I had not encountered yet. The information presented was appropriate for experienced and novice grant writers. The classroom materials are easy to read and understand, and I still use them as references when writing grants. The copies of successful grant applications distributed in class are invaluable tools to help students really understand what the grant providers are looking for. The ongoing free grant proposal reviews for public safety agencies is an added bonus.
When I applied for the CHIEF Supply More Responsive grant, I received excellent customer service from CHIEF Supply and received a quote that beat the listed retail price.
I highly recommend any public safety grant writer to attend the CHIEF grant-writing seminar.
top of page
Lee Connor, Grant Funding Program Manager, Tyco Electronics Corporation, Mississippi
I attended the February 2008 CHIEF Grants Grant-Writing Seminar in Atlanta and found it extremely valuable. Margaret Stark and Kurt Bradley are clearly experts in Public Safety grant programs. As they covered the various process steps in the grant process, they wanted to ensure that I would have the knowledge for submitting a successful grant application that would increase my chances for receiving the award.
Margaret and Kurt covered all the critical information required in order to successfully have my grant application funded. Some of the topics covered were types of grants, components of a grant, grant guidelines, gathering data, developing the program approach and financial needs as well as "dotting the i's and crossing the t's" when following the grant guidance. If this were not enough, Margaret and Kurt will be there for me to review my applications prior to submittal!
I have attended other grant writing classes by renown grant writers. I can honestly say that the CHIEF Grants class was far superior in preparing me to write and apply for Public Safety grants. I completed their class with a thorough knowledge of the grant process, critical mistakes to avoid and future help when I need it.
top of page
Pierre Billard, Giles County, Tennessee
Winner, 2007 CEDAP
Because of your seminar I was able to prepare and submit five (out of a total of six) applications to the 2007 CEDAP program for organizations in Giles County, Tennessee. All six applications were winners and we are being awarded the items we requested. Six out of six is not bad, especially considering we won six awards out of a total of 42 awarded to organizations within Tennessee. I thank you for your time and effort in making us a winning team. Without your patience, excellent classroom materials, thoughtful instruction and suggestions as to how to prepare and submit a successful application, none of this would be possible or have come to pass.
top of page
Captain Kelly Davis, Alum Bank VFD, Pennsylvania
I just got in from doing security at our car show/ cruise-in grounds but had to check it and there it is... An 1199A for our pumper/tanker! This is our second and MUCH-needed second award number for 2007! THANK YOU KURT for all of your help this year. We were asking for a lot and would have never gotten there without you. I will pay the seminar fee's and attend one of Kurt's seminars any day!
top of page
Assistant Chief Brian Weindel, Barling Fire Department, Barling, Arkansas
Winner, 2003 AFG, 2005 SAFER, 2006 AFG, 2007 AFG (1st round), Target VCOS IAFC Training, Operation Ranger
Grant writing is like a business. Every successful business needs the appropriate tools and training to succeed. Kurt and the staff at CHIEF Grants have not only given us the most appropriate tools and training, but the best tools and training available in the country. I use to wonder how many departments our grant applications would be competing against. Since attending the seminar, I now wonder how many of Kurt's students' grant applications we'll be competing against. The seminar and Kurt's continual support and services are exceptional and have allowed us to become more competitive in the grant application process.
top of page
Chester Murphy, Farmington VFD, California
Here is a shout-out and a big thanks to Kurt for helping me out to get my department awarded again! I was not getting anywhere on these grants before I attended Kurt's seminar. I had the ability but not the skills to execute a winning grant. Now, I have been nailing most every grant written since. My regret is that I didn't take the class sooner. I spent several years spinning my wheels getting nowhere. For my volunteer department I have gotten more than a half-million dollars of equipment in the last two years.
top of page
Derrick Hall, Assistant Chief/Paramedic, Hazard Fire & Rescue, Kentucky
From a 3-time Fire Act Grant Winner!
Hazard Fire and Rescue started to pursue grants for our department in the year 2000. Prior to that we had just made do with what we were given. We attended the CHIEF Grants Seminar and have had excellent success since then. We have been awarded 78% of the grants that we applied for.
The seminar presents the information to the students in a format that is easy to comprehend and easy to follow. Kurt Bradley and Margaret Stark emphasize the points that the reviewers look for in successful grants. The seminar helps to point out a lot of little details that are easily overlooked and may make the difference in getting a grant or getting rejected.
Besides the information we received at the seminar, the support continues afterwards, with the website listing new grants available and constant support with the staff at CHIEF Grants. Kurt has answered many emails, and is great to return calls (usually within a few minutes).
We feel so confident in this seminar, that we have attended additional seminars from CHIEF Grants, and have involved the city police department as well.
The department made an excellent investment in our future by sending a member to this seminar. We invested less than $1,000 dollars, and to this point we have received 3 FIRE Act grants for $423,907 and have received a total of over $764,460.75 altogether. To say the least, we are very happy with our investment.
CHIEF Grants has helped our department improve the safety of our community and our personnel to a point that we could have only dreamed about in the past. I would encourage any department to take advantage of this excellent training and to utilize the knowledge of these excellent instructors.
top of page
Thank you so much for the good news! The Kutztown Fire Company gratefully accepts the award of 50 ANSI reflective safety vests to enhance the safety of our members. You and Margaret are a true credit to my success. Since your Chicago seminar in October 2006, I've written at least four grant proposals. Where I felt good about the proposal I submitted to CHIEF back in March, I feel really great about now! Knowing my score boosts my confidence even more on the other proposals I submitted. Thanks again for delivering a very powerful and worthwhile program in Chicago. Rest assured I'll recommend and testify to the benefit of your teaching.
top of page
Lt. Lisa Wylie, Benton Police, Arkansas
Taking on the unwanted task of being the only grant writer for the department terrified me. That was, until I attended the Grant-Writing Seminar put on by CHIEF Grants. This class is THE BEST class I have attended in my 12-year career. The step-by-step process was explained in detail with excellent handouts. The breakout sessions were VERY beneficial too. This gave us the chance to ask questions that were more directly related to our divisions. I recently wrote my first federal grant and it was a breeze. I was able to use the information they gave me in the class and complete the grant weeks in advance. Margaret was also very prompt to proofread it and give her advice before I submitted it. I no longer dread grant-writing because, thanks to CHIEF Grants, I know that I am prepared and that I have Margaret and Kurt in my back pocket if I need them. Thanks CHIEF Grants and thanks to Margaret and Kurt!
top of page
Jeannie Bogner, Wake Forest F.D., NC
After the first day of the seminar I knew I was getting my money's worth. Excellent!
top of page
Gina Wright, Grant Writer, China V.F.D., Texas
I am so impressed with Kurt and Margaret and the way they presented the information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your time. I feel certain this will be one of the most profitable seminars I've ever attended.
top of page
Captain Gene Rogers, Alva Fire Control & Rescue Service District, Lee County, Florida
I attended the CHIEF Grants Seminar expecting great results and was not disappointed. Public Safety Grants are familiar territory to Kurt Bradley, thus making him an invaluable resource. Kurt has always, and continues to, answer any questions/concerns in a timely manner, no matter what the hour. If you are interested in sound grant advice from someone who is passionate about public safety, I would highly recommend this training.
top of page
Captain Terry Guthrie, Holmes Fire District #1, Ohio
Thanks for all of the help! I have used the education in grant-writing that you provide in multiple grant applications, and it has only contributed to our success. My Board of Trustees agreed with me that the fees for educational classes in grant-writing have been money well spent.
top of page
From an AFGP and FP&S Winner!
Lt. Terry Matt, Boles Fire Protection District, Labadie, Missouri
Kurt – Thanks for all your help with our grant applications. After attending a seminar, we have received 2 Assistance to Firefighters Grants totaling $148,875, and 1 Fire Prevention and Safety grant of $8,863. Your personal attention and enthusiasm has been an integral part of our winning these grants. We look forward to working with you in the future.
top of page
From an AFGP and FP&S Winner!
Angelia Richards, Friendship Firefighters Association, Alabama
Thanks for the training I received in Oregon. Since then I have successfully completed two grants – one for 2005 AFGP grant for $105,000, and then a 2005 Fire Prevention grant for $30,858. Just received the nine questions today for a 2006 AFGP grant for a training simulator. Thanks again.
top of page
Chief Don Pelt, Davenport Fire Rescue Department
The Davenport Fire Rescue Department completed 10 requests for grant money. Of those 10 grants, the Davenport Fire Rescue Department was awarded 7 grants. Much of our success can be attributed to the information we learned at a CHIEF Grants Seminar last year.
top of page
Mike McCarty, Fire Captain, Northern California
After frustrating attempts in the past to successfully write a grant for my department, I heard about CHIEF Grants. The department sent me to one of Kurt Bradley's seminars. By the second day the class course made complete logic of the ins and outs of writing grants. Since the short time that I attended the seminar, the department has been awarded two grants. I fully believe that without the knowledge I gathered that I would still be having no luck in obtaining the awards. If your department is in the need of the assistance that grants provide, it is my strong recommendation that you send someone to one of CHIEF's grant seminars. You will find Mr. Bradley’s expertise and guidance invaluable.
top of page
From an CEDAP and Edward Byrnes Memorial Grant Winner!
Sgt. Jess Freeman, Support Services/Administrative Supervisor, Fountain Police Department, Colorado
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the training you provided me and my agency in January 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona. The training was informative and well-planned. Your knowledge and skills as a grant writer/ trainer have been instrumental in application writing; as well as, quarterly and final reports needed to keep a police department on top of the grants game. Your dedication during all phases of grants has been instrumental in our ability to compete with larger agencies for the limited funds available to police departments in the United States. I also want to thank you for the added benefit of reviewing grant applications and answering questions affiliated with all phases of the grant process.
Thanks to you and the staff at CHIEF Grants, our department is in the running for a CEDAP grant, a $340,000 Edward Byrnes Memorial Grant and a technology grant. This is not to mention the grant reports that you have helped with during quarterly and final phases that insure we keep the funds and equipment that have already been awarded.
top of page
From an FP&S Winner!
Paul McDougle, Muscle Shoals Fire Rescue, Alabama
Thank you for the email about the FP & S Grant. It was nice to receive the grant in the amount of $97,000. In your class I attended last fall, you said to read and reread the grant several times before starting to write it. You said that while reading, we should decide what the grant was to accomplish and use that in the narrative part several times while describing what we wanted. I got my Fire Marshal to do this, and we were successful in getting a new smoke trailer with the tornado training station and a command center in it. We also are getting smoke detectors for the elderly in our city. I also learned that one should gather all the statistics pertaining to the grant and use this whenever you can in writing the grant. We did this as well. I just want to thank you and CHIEF Grants for the valuable information you gave to us in the seminar.
top of page
Timothy Hinchcliff, RRCP, NREMT, Managing Director, Burholme Emergency Medical Services, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We submitted our [grant] application, and I feel that with your help we put out one of the best grant proposals that we have ever submitted. Thank you for all your assistance. The grant seminar was by far the best use of our funds and our time that we have spent in recent memory. Your advice and support have been invaluable. Thank you again.
top of page
Justin Dixon, Burkville VFD, Alabama
Thank you so much for ALLLLLL of your help! It has been great working with you. Also, you are always so polite and to the point. No beating around the bush. That is why I will be at your conference in December!
top of page
Lt. Chris Lienhardt, Public Information Officer, Antioch Fire Department, Illinois
I want to thank Kurt and Margaret for the great seminar in Houston. I have been working on grants since the inception of the Fire Act/ AFG progrmas, and after your class I have a totally different way of approaching the narrative and gathering data for application.
Please pass along to the folks at CHIEF that the duffel bag full of stuff was a very nice touch. It was also appericated – more by my 4- and 8-year-old boys... who divided it up between themselves before Dad had a chance!
top of page
Don Krier, Treasurer, Levittown Fire Co #1
We were afraid that we had paid for a 2-day commercial advertisement of CHIEF. We were at-ease 5 minutes into the seminar when Pres. Jeff Tousa reassured everyone that there would be no sales pitches. Your presentation kept us alert and interested the entire time. The week before this seminar, we attended one of the DHS local 2-hour presentations. After attending your seminar we realized that there is so much information that the DHS presentations do not give you.
top of page
Patrolman Frank D. Mazzarella, Winfield Police Department, New Jersey
Margaret: I was in one of your grant writing courses held at Old Bridge Police Department. I am a patrolman from the Winfield Police Department. I was browsing for some open grants and I came across your name. I would just like to say that since your class, I was able to obtain over $100,000 in grant funds for a very small town.
Winfield is .18 square miles. It has 1,500 residents, with only 10 officers and three cars. I have obtained money for a new radio system and frequencies, MDCs for our vehicles, various Homeland Security equipment, and riot and crowd control gear. Now I am waiting to hear if I received any money for a new SUV (worth over $60,000) for our department for a "Mobile Command Vehicle" for our tiny town.
I am extending my thanks to you for me accomplishing these tasks. Thank you again.
top of page
Jackie Liberty, Pittsburg Volunteer Fire Department, Missouri
My only reason for telling someone not to take this class would be that they would then become competition for grant money that we might be applying for. So I say to anyone reading this, please don't take this class! They'll give you much-needed information that will help you get grant money, and we just don't need your competition.
top of page
Chief Rexford Lowmiller, South Williamsport Police Dept., Pennsylvania
Excellent seminar! I received many helpful tips. It was well worth the money and I would recommend it to anyone who has the responsibility to apply for or submit grants for their agency!
top of page
Derrick Hall, Assistant Chief/Paramedic, City of Hazard Fire & Rescue, Hazard, Kentucky
The CHIEF Grants Seminar was an excellent source of information. The staff (Kurt and Margaret) were extremely informative and presented all the information in a format that was easy for me to comprehend. Both were very receptive to any questions and took time out to clarify all the fine points that help me to write a successful grant.
The seminar taught me to study the details and how to prepare the grants in the proper format needed to win.
Kurt's assistance with the AFG Fire Prevention grant was without a doubt the deciding factor that won our department the grant. He answered all my questions within a few minutes of my emails, and even took time out to call me with more info.
The investment my department made in the seminar has already paid for itself with just one grant. If you want to get in the grants game to win, start with this seminar and CHIEF Grants.
top of page
Jane Wilcoxson, Woodward County EMS, Oklahoma
I am very pleased with the learning experience of the grant writing school that I attended in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The school opened my eyes to all the possibilities available for the Emergency Medical Service. For years, we have been told that there was nothing for EMS, that everything was for Fire and Police. With the instruction received from Kurt Bradley, I can research beyond the myth and hopefully find funding that is actually available for Emergency Medical Services.
top of page
Chief Donald J. Pelt, Davenport Fire Department, Florida
As Fire Chief for a small city combination fire department, I serve as a volunteer chief and I also work as a full-time law enforcement officer for another city. As the Chief of the Davenport Fire Dept., I saw the need to obtain grants for equipment that the city simply could not afford. I tried twice, unsuccessfully, to obtain federal grants (AFGP) that I had applied for.
To complicate matters, during 2004 our County and City was devastated by 3 hurricanes, destroying our Police Department, severely damaging our Fire Station and wiping out our communications system. This drastically furthered our need for immediate assistance. I turned to CHIEF Grants for help. With Kurt Bradley's guidance and advice, our department received its first AFG award ever, which was awarded in the first round.
Based on the assistance that we received from CHIEF Grants, I asked the city manger to invest the funds to attend a CHIEF Grants Seminar in Orlando, FL.
Our manager was so happy with CHIEF Grants for helping us obtain the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, that he sent four of the city staff to the seminar (fire chief, police chief, finance director and city clerk) to learn what we needed to do to obtain other grants for our community.
During the seminar we found their information to be informative and laid out in a simple, easy-to-follow format for success. We are now pursuing several other grant programs with their guidance, including a USDA Rural Facilities Grant to rebuild our Police and Fire Station. Their consultants have been instantly available to us on a moments notice, and involved in several critical decisions involving our recovery.
I would highly recommend the training and assistance of CHIEF Grants to any agency that is serious about being awarded the grants they wish to apply for. Thanks CHIEF for making this valuable service available to the public safety agencies in the US.
top of page
From a 2005 CEDAP Winner!
Phyllis Back, Programs Coordinator, Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, Charlottesville, Virginia
I want to thank Kurt and Margret for a training that was comprehensive and concentrated with a lot of information and resource links. I am excited about trying my hand at this skill and making it work for my department as well as myself.
top of page
Chris Phelps, Battalion Commander "B" Shift, Maitland Fire Rescue, Florida
Just a quick note to thank you for your help with our most recent AFG and CEDAP grant submittals. We received official notification that we were awarded a thermal imager through the CEPAP program!
Aside from some small State and County grants, this will probably be the first Federal grant that our department has received. This is undoubtedly the first grant received that will address a need that has gone unanswered for several years. Our success with this program is directly related to attending your most recent grant seminar. Our hope is that we will realize continued success and hopefully receive favorable consideration for our AFG submittal.
I have always been considered a good technical writer, but have only been marginally successful with prior grant requests. I am confident that the knowledge I have gained by attending your seminar will undoubtedly help me to increase my success rate in obtaining future grants. Thanks again, and I hope to be reporting back to you in the near future about success with AFG. Keep up the good work.
top of page
Scott Mullen, Lyons Rural Fire Department, Lyons, Oregon
I just attended your seminar in Portland, and wow was it worth it. I gained what I feel was a great start to writing a grant for my department next year.
top of page
Bruce Charles, Chief, West End Volunteer Fire District, Mineral County, Montana
We got it!
I just received a phone call from our congressman's office announcing that we have received a $232,000 AFGP grant for a new fire truck. This is fantastic news for our volunteer department as the newest piece of operable apparatus we own is a 1961.
As you know from our discussions, I credit your annotated instructions on the CHIEF Grants information page with making it possible for a newcomer like myself to provide the necessary information in a logical, written format to the AFG system. I do not believe that our department would have been successful without your clear and precise directions for writing the narrative.
Following my first positive experience with your system, I attended your recent grant writing seminar, in an attempt to learn more about the grant process and how to work with the system in the most efficient manner.
I was initially hesitant to spend the money, since our budget is very limited. In fact, I sent in my reservation on the very last day to get your "30-day-in-advance" 10% discount. In the first morning of the seminar I realized the tuition we spent was probably going to be the best investment our department has ever made.
Many thanks to you and to CHIEF for sponsoring the CHIEF Grants program.
top of page
Ray Warmuth, Grants Co-Coordinator, Culberson VFD, North Carolina
We got our call from DHS, telling us that our grant was approved. Thanks to you and CHIEF for all your help and guidance. Without all your help, I don't think we would of had a chance at all. Looking forward to seeing you in Charlotte, NC, for your Grant Seminar. Thanks again, Kurt and CHIEF, our new family.
top of page
Thomas Mello, Fire Marshal, Tiverton Fire Dept., Rhode Island
Just attended the Boston CHIEF Grants seminar and wanted to express my thanks to your wonderful instructors! They did a great job, and I really feel like I have a clue as to what to do now. Thanks so much, keep up the good work!
top of page
Mark J. Rueschhoffn, Inspector/Engineer/FF, Olivette Fire Dept., Missouri
Attended your seminar in January 2005 at Columbia, MO. Used your advice to improve my grant writing skills and got a FEMA grant approved this summer. My previous grant attempt was a failure. Appreciate your program and follow-up. Please keep me informed of any future seminars and other opportunities through your organization.
top of page
Keith Summers, VP, Elkridge VFD, Maryland
Your seminar was great! I have attended FEMA workshops in the past and found they only cover the grant process, saying where the narrative section is, not the way it should be done. After attending your seminar I have more confidence in how to write the narrative portion of the grant, I reviewed my narratives from my previous grants and feel they were pretty good... but I know now how they could have been much better. Thanks again!
top of page
|
© Copyright 1998-2008, CHIEF Corp. All rights reserved.
Account
Help
Resources
Cart 