Community Engagement
We help forge lasting relationships that build trust and inspire futures.
The goal of these powerful programs is to help foster healthy relationships between first responders and children in the communities they serve, while also inspiring a new generation who may have an interest in a first responder career.
First Responder Community Engagement Grant
Please review the following criteria to determine if your organization is eligible for our First Responder Community Engagement Grant and best practices for applying.
What is the Agency Grant Application Process?
FRCF accepts Grant proposals throughout the year on a rolling basis. Agencies or Foundations interested in applying for an Agency Grant should:
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- Review the FRCF mission statement, priority funding areas, past grant awardees, and website to make sure priorities align.
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- Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to Hannah@1stRCF.org. The Letter of Intent should be a brief, one or two page, informative letter on agency/foundation letterhead that describes the organization’s mission and history and the work for which funds are being sought, along with a proposed budget and evidence of tax-exempt status (if applicable).
- FRCF Grant Program Team & Grant Committee reviews the LOI.
- You will hear back from the Grant Program Team within 30 days of submission with one of the following:
– A request to submit a full grant proposal.
– Suggestions on how to make the LOI more relevant to the mission of FRCF or recommendations of other possible partnerships with FRCF.
– A decision to not seek a grant proposal.
- If a complete grant proposal is requested, you will have five weeks to complete this application.
- FRCF will decide on your proposal within two-five weeks time.
Who is eligible to apply?
First Responders Children’s Foundation considers proposals from the following:
- A first responder agency, or department within.
- A public entity or other charitable, educational, or cultural organization determined as charitable under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and has partnered with a first responder agency or department.
- An entity that provides programs and services to benefit children and facilitates interaction between the children and a first responder agency.
For the purposes of this grant, FRCF does not fund:
- Individuals
- Operating Support
What does the grant fund?
The Foundation considers and funds proposals, up to a maximum of $5,000, in the following areas:
Mental and Behavioral Health
Grants for first responder agencies and non-profits that support mental and behavioral health activities, initiatives, and programs for first responders and their families.
Youth Education Activities and Programs
Grants for first responder agencies and non-profits for activities, initiatives, and programs that pair youth with local first responders through arts, sports, education, or community service.
First Responder Family Support
Grants for first responder agencies and non-profits for programs that support, honor, and elevate the profile of first responder families in need.
Emergency Support
Grants for first responder agencies and non-profits for financial aid, food, equipment, and other necessary support during a crisis.
Community Engagement
Grants for first responder agencies and non-profits that create programs for a safer Community and help to foster first responder/community relationships.
What criteria should proposals emphasize?
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- The program/project’s alignment with one of FRCF’s priority funding areas.
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- A significant demand affecting children of first responders or the children in the first responder agency’s community
- Evidence of careful planning to address community needs and access community resources.
- A reasonable, researched budget that aligns with the proposal narrative and which a grant from FRCF would not account for more than 50% of.
- A significant demand affecting children of first responders or the children in the first responder agency’s community
- The capacity to mobilize resources including financial support, in-kind support, and volunteers to sustain programs.
- A reasonable, researched budget that aligns with the proposal narrative.
- A comprehensive evaluation plan for the program/project.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
You can download a copy of our info sheet here.
Toy Express
FRCF helps first responders strengthen community bonds during the holiday season with our nationwide Toy Express program, which delivers toys to children across the United States. Distributed by firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics and hospitals, toys from FRCF bring holiday cheer to first responder children as well as children in first responder communities.
Power of Play
The goal of “The Power Of Play” is to provide children with creative outlets that enhance their social and emotional growth while also strengthening their physical and mental well-being. The benefits of play include gaining confidence, managing stress and anxiety, resisting negative social pressure, resolving conflicts, making appropriate decisions and developing relationship skills.
The success of our programs is only possible with the generous support of donors like you.
There is no greater way of demonstrating respect and appreciation for your community than by supporting first responders and their families.