The application period for the 2009 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grant program is now open. Fire departments located near the company’s facilities are eligible to apply for a grant to help purchase needed gear and equipment. The deadline for applications is August 1.
The Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade recognizes firefighters in communities that have Georgia-Pacific facilities, or where Georgia-Pacific employees reside, for their contributions in making the community, homes, and workplaces safer. The program’s support focuses on volunteer and small-town fire departments through monetary grants for equipment, resources, and programming, as well as safety education materials for use in local schools.
Since 2006, the Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade program has awarded more than $300,000 to fire departments in over 50 communities. Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grants help departments meet critical needs and obtain the resources necessary to improve the effectiveness and safety of those who serve. Grants have been used to fund a variety of necessities, including turn-out gear, extrication equipment, vehicle repairs or purchases, water pumps, hoses and nozzles, programming initiatives, and more.
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has partnered with Georgia-Pacific to increase the outreach efforts to fire departments in Georgia-Pacific communities, many of which are volunteer departments, to ensure that these departments are aware of the grant program and have the opportunity to contact their local Georgia-Pacific facility and apply for funding. All applicants for the 2008 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade program also received a complimentary year-long Department Membership to the NVFC.
“We are pleased to partner with Georgia-Pacific to help departments take advantage of this terrific grant program,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “The Georgia-Pacific Bucket-Brigade initiative is a prime example of a company giving back to the first responders who serve them, and we encourage all departments in Georgia-Pacific communities to utilize this opportunity to help secure the equipment and resources they need.”
Contact your local Georgia-Pacific facility to obtain the Bucket Brigade grant application form. For more information, visit http://www.gp.com/aboutus/bucketbrigade/index.html or e-mail gpbucketbrigade@gpac.com. To view a listing of Georgia-Pacific communities, visit www.gp.com/facilitydirectory/index.asp.
