As the number of hazmat incidents occurring annually continues to increase, more volunteer fire departments are finding it difficult to afford the training and equipment needed to prepare for and respond to these kinds of incidents.
To help departments access these much-needed resources, CHEMTREC® has partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for the sixth year to offer the CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergencies Local Preparedness) Award.
HELP Award
In 2024, six volunteer departments will be selected to receive $10,000 each
The HELP Award provides grants to assist volunteer departments in securing the resources needed to enhance their hazardous materials response capabilities and improve responder safety.
To date, 17 departments have received a total of $165,000 through the program. In 2024, six volunteer departments will be selected to receive $10,000 each, thanks to CHEMTREC® and its supporters, which include the American Chemistry Council, Dow, and LyondellBasell.
eligibility criteria
The 2024 HELP Award application period is open from June 1 until September 1. Departments must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply:
- Be composed of more than 50% volunteers ∙Serve a population of 25,000 or less.
- The department’s annual revenue must not exceed $250,000.
- Be located in the United States and legally organized under state law. Tribal entities servicing a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that are chartered under IRA Section 17 or organized by a tribal government under a tribal code or resolution are eligible to apply.
- The Chief or individual applying on behalf of the department must be a member of the NVFC.
- Explain in the application essay what they would do with the award to increase their hazmat response and preparedness capabilities.
- Only one application per department will be accepted.