Conference & Education Assistance Grant

FAQs for Conference & Education Assistance Grant

• The Executive Director of VDFP shall determine the amount of any financial awards as funds are available. The non-availability of funds may prevent the approval of any application for grant assistance.

  Eligibility of applicants and the awarding of the Conference and Education Assistance Grant funds shall be based on the following criteria:

  1. Legally recognized non-profit or governmental entities representing the local, regional, or statewide interests of the fire community shall be eligible.

  2. Neither the applicant nor governing authority of the conference shall discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

  3. It is strongly encouraged that the scheduled conference be held within the legally recognized boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Training programs outside Virginia may be approved on a limited basis when the needs are justified in the application.

  4. The host organization may allow participants outside the Commonwealth to participate.

  5. The content of the grant-funded training event must align with the mission and needs of Virginia’s fire and emergency services community.

• Beginning with the FY2020 funding year, the Executive Director shall appoint a review panel to analyze the applications.  
  
  
  The review panel will consist of command staff members including the Deputy Director along with Budget and Grants Manager. At the discretion of the Executive Director, a Virginia Fire Services Board member shall be appointed should there be a need for a substitute.  
  
  
  Applications will be evaluated for accuracy, eligibility and its impact on the Commonwealth of Virginia. VDFP’s command staff will provide funding recommendations to the Executive Director. Final funding levels will be made by the Executive Director based on the analysis provided.    

• VDFP shall reserve the right to determine the method and amount of financial assistance disbursement on a case-by-case basis.  Examples of acceptable methods include electronic transfer and check writing. 

  1. CONCEPT OF OPERATION AND FUND USE – Monies from the Conference and Education Assistance Grant Program shall be used to enhance the educational and practical instruction available to Virginia’s fire and emergency services personnel.
  2. ACCEPTABLE USES OF MONIES – Include, but are not limited to, instructor fees, reservation fees, honorariums, renting multimedia supplies and equipment beyond services that VDFP may already provide, production of presentation materials, technical assistance and instructors travel expenses.

  The use of money towards non-learning or recreational activities is acceptable on a limited basis. The use of grant funds to provide light refreshments, such as snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, may be acceptable when it has been determined that such items would materially enhance the training event.  

• Applications are accepted and reviewed annually and must be postmarked by July 1 each year.