CFA brigades and districts will have another chance to apply for equipment, training and other support after the second round of the State Government’s Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program (EVGP) opened.
Grant applications close 30 June 2018.
CFA brigades and districts were successful in securing almost 250 EVGP grants in Round 1 of the initiative, the State Government and CFA announced yesterday.
$5 million of grants were approved across the state to fund:
- Heavy vehicle driver training for almost 1000 volunteers;
- Thermal imaging cameras, which will greatly enhance operations;
- IT networks improvements worth more than $250,000;
- Brigade facility upgrades worth close to $1 million;
- More than 150 defibrillators, giving communities access to life saving equipment.
In total, the two rounds will deliver $10 million in extra funding for our volunteer brigades. The grants program funds, or part-funds, initiatives which strengthen brigade culture and prioritises applications which focus on areas including:
1. Addressing immediate needs and enhancing operational capabilities;
2. Improving culture, diversity and fairness;
3. Strengthening volunteer leadership skills;
4. Encouraging recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteers, and;
5. Reflecting the evolving needs and demographics of the communities which our brigades and volunteers serve.
Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook encouraged brigades and districts to apply for grants through the second round, which is open until 30 June, 2018.
“These grants will support, equip and enable our volunteers to continue to meet changes in community needs, the environment and technology across the range of services they deliver,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer Paul Smith said the grants would provide vital support to volunteers - both those on the frontline and those in supporting roles.
“Funding initiatives like the Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program deliver a significant boost in helping our brigades serve their communities. This initiative will help us recruit and retain volunteers, as well as enhance their capability to deliver on their mission.”
Apply for the grants here by 30 June, 2018.
Please note the following conditions for EVGP Round 2:
- CFA infrastructure pre-approval requirement: If your application relates to CFA infrastructure services (which includes, but is not limited to, building modifications/additions/renovations, generators, security systems, water tanks, LED messaging signs etc.) it is a program requirement that you obtain pre-approval from Project Manager Phillip Hand (Phone: 03 5430 2200, Mobile: 0408 303 935, Email: p.hand@cfa.vic.gov.au) prior to commencing your application. Applications that are not pre-approved by CFA Infrastructure Services will not be considered under the EVGP.
- If you were unsuccessful in Round 1, feel free to apply for an alternative project only under Round 2.
- A maximum of two (2) items per application is permitted.