| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 8, 2019 |
MEDIA CONTACT Savannah Kelly savannah@volunteerflorida.org (850) 556-9799 |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, in the anticipation of funding, Volunteer Florida announced the availability of FY 2019-2020 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)/Citizen Corps Program funding. Volunteer Florida will distribute up to $150,000 in sub-grant awards of $5,000 to $10,000. Interested parties may apply for funding for a CERT program, a Citizen Corps program or both. If seeking funding for both CERT and Citizen Corps, a separate application must be submitted for each.
Volunteer Florida administers Florida’s CERT/Citizen Corps program funding in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). CERT/Citizen Corps is a training program that prepares Floridians to help their families and neighbors in the event of a disaster in their community.
“Florida has the best emergency management response and recovery in the nation, and a big part of that are the incredible volunteers that rush in to help others after a disaster,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Often times these volunteers have been impacted by the disaster themselves, but through selflessness, they put their neighbors first. We cannot thank these dedicated individuals enough for their willingness to respond, and I’m proud to announce this funding that will continue to improve Florida’s incredible volunteer disaster response.”
“As Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during and after disasters, Volunteer Florida is proud to offer funding that prepares citizens to take action in times of emergency,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Clay Ingram. “CERT/Citizen Corps grantees strengthen the work of emergency management officials and play a key role in response and recovery efforts in Florida’s communities.”
“Well trained and organized volunteer groups are essential during disaster response,” said FDEM Director Jared Moskowitz. “Volunteer Florida sets the example nationwide for assembling a robust volunteer disaster response effort. I look forward to continuing to work with Volunteer Florida and Governor DeSantis to ensure we have a volunteer base that is ready to respond during a disaster.”
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a training program that allows citizens to receive training in basic disaster response skills which allow these volunteers to provide critical support, giving immediate assistance to victims before emergency first responders arrive on scene.
The Citizen Corps program was created to coordinate volunteer activities that will make local communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. Citizen Corps Councils focus on emergency planning and education that will enhance the resiliency of communities post-disaster.
Eligible applicants include local units of government, counties and cities within the State of Florida, Fire Tax Districts, other tax districts, regional planning councils, state-supported community colleges, colleges and universities, and federally recognized tribes, or nations within the State of Florida. Although 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are not directly eligible, local jurisdictions can subcontract with 501(c)(3) organizations to perform these functions.
To download the FY 2019-2020 CERT/Citizen Corps RFP, please click here. Applications are due to Volunteer Florida by Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 5 pm (ET).
If you have questions regarding this funding opportunity please email CERT2019@volunteerflorida.org, or contact the Volunteer Florida office at (850) 414-7400.
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About Volunteer Florida
In 1994, Volunteer Florida was established in Florida Statutes to manage national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, and advocate for volunteerism throughout Florida. Since then, Volunteer Florida has evolved to serve as the state’s lead agency for mobilizing volunteers and coordinating donations before, during and after disasters, including managing the Florida Disaster Fund. With $43 million in federal, state and local funding, Volunteer Florida delivers high-impact volunteer programs that are engaging Floridians, transforming communities and making the state a better place to live. For more information, please visit www.volunteerflorida.org.