$10K Grants Available for Fire Sprinkler Coalitions' Campaigns
Up to 10 Bringing Safety Home Grants will be awarded to organizations in the United States and Canada by the National Fire Protection Association's Fire Sprinkler Initiative.
The National Fire Protection Association's Fire Sprinkler Initiative is offering up to $100,000 in grant funding for sprinkler advocacy campaigns in the United States and Canada, marking the second year in a row these Bringing Safety Home Grants are available. NFPA announced as many as 10 selected fire sprinkler coalitions and other safety advocates will receive up to $10,000 apiece to support activities that showcase the importance of home fire sprinklers, which can cut home fire deaths by about 80 percent and direct property damage by about 70 percent, according to NFPA research.
Something to keep in mind: Most U.S. fire deaths still occur in homes. During 2014, home fires caused more than 2,700 deaths -- 84 percent of all U.S. fire deaths that year. All model building codes require sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings, according to NFPA, which is asking applicants to get creative, answering:
- How can this grant help you spread the message in your state or region that sprinklers in new homes save lives?
- Is there a new way to educate the public and decision makers about the value of home fire sprinklers?
- How can you expand on a tried-and-true method of sprinkler advocacy?
"We encourage you to flex those creative muscles, and NFPA will do its part to highlight your efforts to a national audience," its invitation says.
Applicants must provide a completed application form and a one- or two-page document describing in detail how they plan to use the grant and an estimated dollar amount associated with these activities. NFPA said it will give priority to existing state sprinkler coalitions but will heavily consider applications from other states or provinces that envision a unique approach to sprinkler advocacy.
Applicants must submit completed forms to [email protected] no later than the close of business March 16, 2016. Forms may be mailed to: National Fire Protection Association, Bringing Safety Home Grant, Attention: Fred Durso, Jr., 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169.
NFPA will notify the grant recipients no later than April 1.