As a company proudly serving fire departments across the country with powerful, attention-grabbing LED signs, we know how critical funding is when it comes to staffing, recruitment, and retention. That’s why we’re excited to share that FEMA has officially announced the application period for the FY24 SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grants, a vital funding opportunity for fire departments of all sizes.
Whether you’re looking to expand your team or strengthen your recruitment and retention efforts, now is the time to act.
FY24 SAFER Application Period Details
- Application Opens: Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET
- Application Closes: Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET
- Submit through: FEMA GO portal — https://go.fema.gov
Who is Eligible?
The SAFER program supports two primary activities: Hiring of Firefighters and Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters. Eligible applicants include:
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Hiring of Firefighters
- Available to career, combination, and volunteer fire departments.
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Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters
- Available to volunteer and combination fire departments, as well as national, state, local, or tribal organizations representing the interests of volunteer firefighters.
If your department falls under one of these categories, you're eligible to apply depending on your specific staffing needs.
What You Need Before You Apply
To submit a strong SAFER application, gather the following in advance:
- Your department’s DUNS number or Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration
- Detailed staffing information, including current personnel roster and vacancy needs
- A well-defined recruitment or retention strategy (for R&R grants)
- For Hiring grants, prepare to demonstrate financial need and community impact
- Narrative statements explaining how the funding will enhance emergency response capabilities
Find Additional Resources & FAQs
FEMA offers comprehensive guidance to help you succeed in your application:
- FY24 SAFER Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO):Download from FEMA
- Application Checklist:View the SAFER Application Checklist
- Self-Evaluation – Recruitment and Retention for Fire Departments:View the Self-Evaluation Sheet
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):View SAFER FAQs
How Outdoor LED Signs Qualify
If your department is applying for Recruitment & Retention funding, an outdoor LED sign is a qualifying expense that can directly support your outreach strategy. These signs are an approved way to improve visibility in your community by helping attract and retain volunteer firefighters. With the ability to share dynamic, real-time messages, an LED sign can:
- Advertise open volunteer positions to passing traffic
- Publicize upcoming training sessions, open houses, or community events
- Highlight your department’s impact and ongoing needs to build local support
- Recognize team achievements and boost morale among current members
Investing in an LED sign isn’t just about communication; it’s about building stronger connections with your community and your volunteers. Let us help you include signage in your SAFER grant application.
Need a quote or support for including a sign in your SAFER application? Contact us today and let’s make your next SAFER-funded initiative a success.
