Last year many unsuccessful grant applications did not get past the initial evaluation. We've pulled together some tips to help departments avoid common mistakes made in filling out the on-line application. They follow the order of the sections in the on-line application from last year. Some examples are specific to the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety program area and more specifically how to categorize training materials.

1.  Applicant Information

2.  Department Characteristics

Don't select "other" if at all possible or use hyphens or spaces when entering numbers

You must report to the NFIRS and enter the FDIN number here

Strive to be as accurate as possible on statistics though estimation is normal.

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3.  Request Information

a.  Select the Program for which you are applying - only one is allowed. For Example - Program Name: Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety
b. Will this grant benefit more than one department? Yes

c.  If you answered yes to Question 2 above, please specify how?
(When specifying how you can only enter 4000 characters – tailor the example language to fit your situation)

The department provides resources to ___ other fire departments/support services/RIT in the region that will rely on its training materials and the program will be shared with neighboring agencies, emergency support services, rapid intervention team, and first responders, ensuring that preparedness, training, knowledge and skills are compatible throughout the area we serve. With increased reliance on this department and our regional support systems to be first responders in the event of any incident involving weapons of mass destruction or a natural disaster, we need to afford minimal safety and enhanced training to be prepared to support neighboring departments and communities in need.

We feel this training package and equipment would allow us to provide reliable and safe assistance to another service.

Your application will score higher with the reviewers if you show how it will be utilized by more than one department or service.

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4.  Request Details

Questions regarding partnerships: it is advised to do so and answer "yes" then list mutual aid, neighboring departments, etc. Never select "Other" unless you truly require something uncommon as this may slow your application or cause it to be thrown out all together.

For "Budget Items"

In the first part of this section entitled "Item"

1.  Select "Media"  for Computer Based training, DVDs, videos,  etc.

2.  Select "Audio-Visual" for Computers, TVs, projectors, etc.

3.  Select "Library" for written materials such as IFSTA manuals
4.  Select "Classroom" for improvements to your workstation or training facility, furnishings, etc.

In the second part of this section "Select Object Class"
1. Select "Equipment" for training materials, presentation ware, projectors, and manuals.
2. Never select "Supplies" UNLESS it is something you use that is thrown away or temporary

3. Prepare a summary to answer the questions regarding equipment and shared use of items.
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5.  Total Budget

You must almost NEVER have entered anything into the columns other than "Equipment"

Under "Non-Federal Resources" it is best to enter your match only in "Applicant" column

Once again, do not use "OTHER sources" or your application could be singled out.

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6.  Preparing text in your word-processing program for the narrative

Please note that any formatting (such as increased font sizes, color, italics or bold text) will be lost when you insert the text in the on-line form. Make sure spaces are created with hard returns and not formatted in your word processing program.

Enter the full text of the question in CAPITAL LETTERS  to serve as section headings before your responses

Then enter 'hard returns' or manual hits of the 'enter' key to create space between these

Organize content and provide justification under each question:

1.Organize your request narrative in each part by budget object category or activities so that it is linear to the application categories you have selected and separate these with hard return spaces (i.e. Training programs, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, modify facilities, wellness and fitness programs).

2.We recommend providing a strong 'training plan' . Discuss this plan with your department to determine if it's feasible IN THE SAME YEAR OF FUNDING to train 100% of your members. Also, enter additional statements regarding the training officers you have in your department already. Please review carefully and make changes according to your staff representation. Indicate how many members will be trained.

3. Remember to provide justification for budget items and make sure it matches with your budget section details.

4. Enter a space before and after each question section and a solid line after your narrative is complete.