FY 2010 Citizen Corps Program National Volunteer Fire Council | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the FY 2010 Citizen Corps Program funding opportunity for NVFC?

It was a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA discretionary funding announcement intended to strengthen community preparedness by expanding and supporting Fire Corps programs nationwide through the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).

Which federal agencies were involved in this opportunity?

The opportunity was issued under DHS and FEMA, with FEMA as the primary agency anticipating collaboration with NVFC to carry out the work.

What is Fire Corps and what does it do?

Fire Corps is focused on helping fire and EMS departments that are stretched thin by using citizen volunteers in non-operational roles. This support is designed to free up trained responders so they can concentrate on emergency duties.

What kinds of volunteer roles does Fire Corps support?

The announcement describes Fire Corps as using citizen volunteers in non-operational roles. It does not list specific positions, but the intent is to provide practical support functions that do not involve operational emergency response.

What was the main purpose of the funding?

The central aim was to raise national and local awareness of Fire Corps and reduce barriers that prevent departments from implementing or maintaining volunteer support programs. FEMA and NVFC expected this to increase both the number of registered Fire Corps programs and the number of active volunteers.

What broader outcomes was FEMA hoping to achieve?

By growing Fire Corps programs and volunteer participation, the larger public purpose was improved service delivery by fire and emergency services, resulting in safer, stronger communities that are better prepared for disasters and everyday emergencies.

What types of activities were emphasized to support local departments?

The opportunity emphasized practical support to local departments, including guidance on how to start, manage, and sustain a volunteer program and how to promote it effectively in the community so more people become aware of opportunities to serve.

What barriers was the program trying to reduce?

The announcement refers generally to "common barriers" that prevent departments from implementing or maintaining volunteer support programs. It does not enumerate the barriers, but the stated goal was to lower hurdles that limit program adoption and sustainability.

What was NVFC expected to do under this cooperative agreement?

NVFCs role included national-level coordination, outreach, and technical assistance for Fire Corps. It also included coordinating the Fire Corps National Advisory Committee and working with FEMA to promote fire and EMS representation in Citizen Corps Councils and to develop tools and resources that build community resiliency.

What is the Fire Corps National Advisory Committee?

It is a committee made up of 15 national fire service organizations. The committee provides input and feedback to help ensure Fire Corps stays aligned with fire service realities and national preparedness priorities.

How were Citizen Corps Councils connected to this opportunity?

NVFC and member organizations were expected to encourage state and local fire and emergency services leaders to participate in Citizen Corps Councils. The goal was to integrate fire service perspectives into broader community preparedness planning.

What role did FEMA's Individual and Community Preparedness Division (ICPD) play?

NVFC was expected to work closely with FEMAs Individual and Community Preparedness Division (ICPD) to promote representation of fire and EMS within Citizen Corps Councils and to develop tools and resources that build community resiliency.

What did the announcement say about local fire service leadership involvement?

Where a Fire Corps program exists locally, the announcement stressed that local fire service leadership should be actively involved in the local Citizen Corps Council to ensure coordination and maximize impact.

Was this funding offered as a grant or something else?

It was issued as a cooperative agreement, not a standard grant. This indicates FEMA anticipated ongoing collaboration with NVFC in carrying out the work.

What was the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number was DHS 10 NPD 053 000 02.

What CFDA number was associated with this opportunity?

It was associated with CFDA 97.053, identified in the announcement as Citizens Community Resilience Innovation Challenge.

How much funding was available and how many awards were expected?

FEMA anticipated making a single award with an estimated total funding amount of $650,000.

Was cost sharing or a match required?

No. The announcement stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was closed to all applicants other than the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). It was effectively a sole-eligible applicant announcement.

What were the key dates for this opportunity?

The posting date was May 3, 2010. The application closing date was May 14, 2010. The opportunity was later archived on June 13, 2010.

Where were applicants directed to find more details or apply?

Applicants seeking more details at the time were directed to Grants.gov.

What support was available for technical access issues?

FEMA provided support through its call center and the ASK-GMD email address for technical access issues related to the opportunity.

What did FEMA expect to grow as a result of this funding?

FEMA and NVFC expected growth in both the number of registered Fire Corps programs and the number of active volunteers participating in them, driven by increased awareness and reduced barriers.