10 Best Practices for Fire Departments Applying for AFG Wellness & Fitness Funding Before the June 22 Deadline
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application window is open. Professional Health Services (PHS) is your dedicated partner for implementing comprehensive occupational health programs that protect your personnel and strengthen your grant application.
Wellness Is Eligible
Health and resiliency programs are valid and competitive AFG priorities.
Focus on Readiness
Strong grant narratives tie firefighter health directly to operational capacity.
Accuracy Matters
Precise, documented cost estimates build critical credibility with reviewers.
Eligible AFG Funding Focus
Addressing the Leading Threat: Cancer Prevention
FEMA’s current AFG opportunity language explicitly includes health, wellness, and resiliency programs alongside traditional operational priorities like apparatus and gear. Do not overlook the chance to fund comprehensive health screenings for your personnel.
Best Practices for Your AFG Application
Developing a strong Wellness & Fitness request requires a clear strategy. The following ten practices will help you develop a competitive and fully compliant application.
1. Make Sure Your Request Aligns With Priority 1 Wellness Activities
Ensure your proposed health assessments align with recognized national standards.
2. Understand the Five Core Programs Requirement
3. Build Your Narrative Around Readiness, Not Benefits
4. Clearly Identify Your Department’s Health Gap
5. Quantify the Risk
6. Don’t Forget the Financial Need Narrative
7. Use PHS Cost Estimates to Strengthen Your Budget Section
8. Avoid Common Wellness Funding Mistakes
Ensure you are not requesting unallowable items or combining unrelated projects into a single request. Clearly explain how your department plans to sustain the wellness and fitness program after the federal grant performance period concludes.
9. Write for Fire Service Reviewers
AFG applications are peer-reviewed by fellow fire service professionals. Use clear, industry-standard terminology. Explain your operational realities in a way that resonates with other first responders who understand the physical toll of the job.
10. Get Help Before the Deadline
Writing a competitive grant takes time. Engage with implementation partners like PHS early in the process to gather the necessary documentation, quotes, and program details well before the final submission day.
What to Do This Week
- Review FEMA’s current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) specifically for Wellness & Fitness priorities.
- Assess your department’s current compliance with NFPA 1582 medical evaluation standards.
- Draft a brief summary of your department’s financial need and current health program gaps.
- Contact Professional Health Services to gather accurate cost estimates for your budget narrative.
Planning a Wellness & Fitness AFG Application?
Contact PHS today to discuss your department’s needs before the June 22 application deadline.
Disclaimer: Please confirm final eligibility, program requirements, and application details with the most current FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) guidance documents. Professional Health Services (PHS) is a provider of occupational health services and is not affiliated with FEMA.