We took the “bull by the horns” and spoke directly with a trusted representative from FEMA and disclosed some discrepencies that we feel were reasons as to why some of the grants were denied. I was assured by this agent that they were not aware of this dilemna and would look into it. They have kept to their word.

Today, we received a phone call from this representive and were updated as to the status. This person went so far as to hold a teleconference with the supervisor as well as the director and also reviewed the computer scoring techniques that were utilized to make sure that the application was not faulty.

There is Good News and there is Bad News

Good News….There ware no technical errors to the application…..More Good News….We were informed that the grants that we HAD written, were good grants. They were filled out correctly and written well but due to the lack of funding and criteria could not be funded for the 2011 fiscal year. This was in large part due to the lack of funds and had nothing to do with any training requirements or regional grants, it was strictly lack of funding.

Ok, now the Bad News…There is nothing more we can do but to re-evaluate our applications, review the guidlines and decide whether the application should be resubmitted again for 2012.

Again, due to lack of funding and large amounts of applications with older equipment and vehicles, applications that did not fair in the top 10% of the scoring unfortunately were denied.

We hope that this information was helpful in understanding what happened.

The Staff and Gatchell Grant Resources again humbley thanks our dedicated clients for their continued trust and belief in our company. We strive to provide the best possible services to our clients.

We have been utilizing this grant/loan application process for the past 10 years to help departments achieve their goals. Some of the items or equipment we have helped to obtain are fire trucks, road department trucks, buildings, as well as other various equipment.

As of the new fiscal year which started October 1, 2011, the interest rate is at an astronomical low at 3.75%. This according to our contact at USDA is the lowest it has ever been historically. This is the time to jumo on this program.

The grant part of this process all depends on the eliigibility of the entity applying as well as other key factors that are requested.

The loan part of the application can be approved and in your possession within 3-6 months of applying.

If there is something that your department might be interested in, please do not hesitate to contact our office for more information in this application process.

Again, this application has been very helpful to numerous departments and entities but yet is still a very underutilized application due to questions and lack of knowledge of this process.

Gatchell Grant Resources, LLC encourages anyone interested in a project to become more knowledgable in the process before they turn down this avenue of funding. This can be done by either calling the USDA Office yourself or by calling us with any questions.

We look forward to helping out those who want to be helped.

Even with all of these disasters hitting in a short period of time, applications were still able to be submitted thanks to the two extensions that FEMA enacted towards the end of the AFG period.

These extension gave those areas time to submit their applications but also allowed other departments who simply did not have the time to file applications as well.

Our company was able to help prepare and submit 135 applications which included vehicles, equipment, communications, as well as two major regionals which included SCBA as well as communications equipment for a whole county which consisted of 13 departments.

Good luck to all of the departments who were able to submit their applications as well as to our clients who trusted our company in helping to prepare their grants.

In all reality, we could not do what we do without the help and dedication of our departments in getting us the needed information. So for that, Gatchell Grant Resources greatly thanks you for your help in making our company a success.

 The AFG Assistance to Firfighters Grant Period opens August 15, 2011 and will close September 9, 2011. It is a short time period this year so be prepared. There is approximately 11 days less than last year for the application period so get a move on.

 It will be fast and furious so DO NOT wait till the last minute. Also FYI, major change in the application format so check it out ASAP when it opens on Monday so you do not get surprised. This year there is approximately $400 Million in funding for the AFG.

Good luck to all who will be applying this year.

Canton Township was awarded approxiately $250,000 to fill 3 full time positions. This was much needed for the department to become compliant with current NFPA standards on having four men on scene on initial arriving fire apparatus.

Warrensville Heights Fire Department had to lay off 6 full time firefighters due to budget constraints.  Thanks to the AFG SAFER grant, all 6 of these full time firefighters have their jobs back. The grant was for approximately $1.4 Million dollars.

Congratulations to these departments and all the other departments that were awarded SAFER Grants that much needed them.

A delicious banquet was held afterwards in recognition of all the individuals who played a part in this construction grant. The volunteers wanted to thank everyone for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The foundations is set to start being laid and the construction process to begin on April 19, 2011.

Congratulations to the Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department of Brunswick Maryland and good luck in the construction process.

February 25, 2011

Fairview Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $26,923 for Opeation and Safety to purchase all new communications equipment for their department. This was very much needed to replace thier old and obsolete equipment that they currently have.

South Amherst Fire Department receives their third grant in two years and their second grant this year for a vehicle acquisition in the amount of $$275,000.

March 18, 2011

Kidron Volunteer Fire Department received thier third grant in 2 years in the amount of $24,271 for operations and safety. Congratulations on your award.

Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department received an award for operations and safety in the amount of $68,680 to replace old and obsolete equipment. Great job Old Fort.

Lawrence Township Fire Department was awarded their first grant in several years in the amount of $57,864 to replace old equipment through the operations and safety portion. Congratulations Lawrence Township.

Indian Joint Fire District receives its second grant in two years under operations and safety for much needed equipment for thier fire department.

Huntsville Fire Department received their very much needed and deserved third grant in the past four years under the operations and safety category in the amount of $43,859. Congratulations Hunstville on your very deserved award.

Green Camp Volunteer Fire Department received their first grain si years under the category of operations and safety in the amount of $56,358 to replace old and obsolete equipment.

Gettysburg Rural Volunteer Fire Department receives their third grant in two years in the amount of $50,377 to add to thier operations and vehicle grant that they received in 2009 through the AFG Grant. Congratulations!

Congratulations to all who have been awarded and good luck to those who have grants still out there.