Section 291.40  Grant Application Procedure and Content

a)         Application Procedure

1)         Subject to the availability of funds, the Office will issue application forms for small equipment grants under this program to all Illinois fire departments. 

2)         A completed original application form shall be signed by the duly authorized officers of the fire department.

3)         Applications shall be returned, by the date specified on the form, to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Attention:  Small Equipment Grant Program, 1035 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703-4259.

4)         Applications received at the Office shall be logged in as received and assigned an Application Number.  Applicants will be notified by mail that their application has been received.

b)         Application Content

Each Grant application shall include the following information:

1)         Identifying information for the applicant fire department and its local government.

2)         A detailed description of the fire department's need for the proposed small equipment.

3)         Identification of fire department or local government personnel to serve as contacts for information.

4)         Copies of the fire department's two most recent budget and appropriation ordinances.

5)         Any other information the Office may require to determine the applicant's eligibility under this Part in the event the Office needs to clarify the request, such as the nature of the applicant's organization.

c)         Review of Applications

Applications shall be assessed by blind review, meaning the Committee shall not see the name, address or any specific information that identifies the applicant.  The Committee shall review and rank the applications based on assessment of need and information provided in the grant application.

d)         Grant Award

After the Committee's review and ranking of applications, grant awards will be determined, within the amount of funding available for grants under this program.