AFG and Other Revenue

Quick headline news: 

There will be $405 million available for fiscal 2011 AFG awards (equipment and related training).  According to our conversations with the FEMA contract reps for the AFG program, the review process is getting even more stringent.  Even if you have had success in the past with AFG awards, you may still have to improve your narrative and budgeting to receive those funds in the future.

Sign up today to have us conduct a third party review of your proposal and narrative for the 2011 AFG awards.  We will even assist in writing the proposal “from scratch” if you desire.  These services are available for a fee of $175 per grant proposal/request. Email lmiller@staber.com for more information or see the “free info” page.

HOUSE DEMOCRAT BILL MAY ELIMINATE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS (via THE MILLSTONE DIARIES)

This could potentially kill the fire service and risk the public health and safety of thousands of communities across the country. There are other answers to building and maintaining excellent fire/EMS service in every community. Starts with researching and pursuing alternative funding sources. They are out there, but you have to work at it.

Also – innovations in recruitment, retention and training are necessary. Again, there are ways to engage the community to help and be effective.

Think outside the box? Maybe. Making a larger box? Definitely

firefunding@hotmail.com Laura Miller – 614-915-4324

Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) will try to attach the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (PSEECA) to the war supplemental up for approval by the House this week. The Act forces state and local governments to collectively bargain with police, firefighters and emergency workers, which would compel volunteer firefighters to join unions and may deter or even eliminate America's nearly 26,000 volunteer fire departments. The act will i … Read More

via THE MILLSTONE DIARIES

Leadership at Gettysburg

Inaction is not an option

-Every department looks for leaders like Gen. John Buford.  On June 30, 1863 Buford arrived on the scene.  After assessing the situation, he made a critical decision that set up a Union victory and probably changed the course of history.  Take a look at this video and consider the lessons modern leaders can learn from the past.

Adapting to the Economy

How has your department endured the ongoing economic recession?  Are you concerned how to provide exceptional service?  How has the health and safety of firefighters and EMTs been affected?  What about recruitment and retention?  CLICK ON TITLE TO SEE ARTICLE:

HOW ECONOMY IS CHALLENGING FIRE SERVICE

 

In this article, Mike Waters, vice president, ISO Risk Decision Services, discusses the challenges faced by our nation’s fire departments and the significance of ISO’s PPC™ program.

Fire department challenges
All types of departments — volunteer, combination, and career, as well as rural, suburban and urban — face challenges as a result of the economic recession. Those challenges can be hiring freezes, layoffs, postponing infrastructure projects, delaying apparatus purchases, and attracting enough volunteers.

Don’t let budget cuts force you into undesireable compromises.  Expand your revenue stream today:Fire Department-New Trends

Comment below:  What are the projects and programs that you are NOT able to implement?  Then contact us to learn more about how your department can accomplish it all – no matter the economy.

Trends in Fire Service Fundraising

It takes $$$ to outfit your crew properly - learn how to be more effective in raising that $$

The funding environment is changing – for the better!  Your department now has access to many different sources of revenue – but you have to work at it . . .Take a look at this presentation:  Fire Department-New Trends 

It will stimulate some thoughtful reflection on your department’s efforts to expand and diversify your revenue stream.  Laura Miller is available to make a webcast or live presentation to your department and association – call 614-915-4324 or email firefunding@hotmail.com to schedule an appointment . . . 

 

PND – News – Charities Working Harder to Find Revenue

PND – News – Charities Working Harder to Find Revenue

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Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

As most of you are completing your AFG proposals, you will begin to realize one thing:  even if you are eventually awarded funding through this program, it is inadequate to the total department requirements.  So, where else to look for funding?  Many websites will offer free tips on additional fundraising programs.  They usually give you 57 different ways to hold an event. . .

But did you know that events are one of the LEAST effective ways to raise money?  So, even if you ran the MOST effecient event, it still won’t provide the sustainable income stream your department is seeking.

What is the single MOST effective method of fundraising for your department?  Word-of-mouth advocacy.  Interpretations’ special PhilanthropPlus program for Fire Departments is created to help you and your civilian ambassadors to tell your story and raise significant funds NOW.  The best part is that it plants seeds for future, predictable income as well.

Contact Laura Miller, our executive director today to get your revenue-generation program on track to diversify and grow.  Phone 614.915.4324 – firefunding@hotmail.com

FREE e-book available

Take a look at the “free info” tab of this site for a summary of the AFG grant specifics for 2010.  Contains what every fire department should know about the 2010 AFG program.  Click on the book title for the form.  The deadline is getting close, don’t DELAY. 

Already under way with your proposal?  We provide 3rd party reviews and make recommendations – $150 one-time fee.  Call Laura Anne Miller directly or email for details – 614-915-4324    firefunding@hotmail.com

AFG-Grant Deadline May 28

FEMA Accepting 2010 FIRE Act Grant Applications

The application period will close May 28. The grants help fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS units with staffing, training, and equipment.

• Apr 29, 2010

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is now accepting applications for the FY 2010 Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program, also known as the FIRE Act grants. Fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS units can obtain grants to help with staffing, training, and equipment needs.

The application period began April 26 at 8 a.m. EDT and will close May 28 at 5 p.m. EDT. Program guidance and an application kit are available at www.firegrantsupport.com and at www.usfa.fema.gov.

The grants enable winning organizations to obtain training, present first responder health and safety programs, and buy PPE and response vehicles. They also support regional projects in which multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction benefit directly from activities implemented with grant funds.

Since FY 2001, and including FY 2009 grants to date, almost $4.1 billion in the form of these grants has been distributed to first responder organizations, according to the agency, which is online at www.twitter.com/femainfocus, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.

Relieve Financial Stress

  It is time to take a hard look at how your department will continue to protect and serve at a high level of excellence. Unfortunately, taxes are down and AFG appropriations for 2010 have been cut.

 At Interpretations Advisor Group, we are helping our clients achieve sustainability. Through a thoughtful, intentional process using PROVEN methods of fundraising, you too can experience a growing stream of renewable revenue. . .

 We find that so many non-profit organizations, not just fire departments, are working on MANY fund raising events: Banquets, car washes, silent auctions, dances, concerts, etc.

 But did you know . . .

 Events are one of the LEAST effective ways to raise that alternative revenue. So, car washes, raffles, fish fries, and “passing the boot” are all based on a model that is ceasing to work in generating adequate revenue. You end up “peddling” an unrelated product/party instead of promoting your mission and service. Your supporters need to know who you are and what you are doing to serve the community, not know the details of a T-shirt or Candy Bar sale.

 To accomplish this in a more effective, less time-consuming way, we created a standard revenue generation package for fire departments:

 Grant research/grant writing:

• FEMA/DHS
  • AFG
  • SAFER
  • FP&S
• Corporate Foundations
• Community Foundations
• Private/Family Foundations

 Community Outreach:

• Education programs that incorporate donations
• Business Building Partner program
• Ambassador and Advocacy program

 This all gets you out of the “events” model, which is time-consuming and less effective. If you are tired of spending time and energy on fundraising that produces less than satisfactory results, contact us for an assessment of how you can change the future course of your department.

firefunding@hotmail.com