Volunteer Florida Announces Funding to Support Disaster Resiliency in Florida’s Communities

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Volunteer Florida announced the availability of $140,000 in grant funding to support local governments, districts, and colleges/universities in developing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and/or Citizen Corps Program in their community. Eligible organizations interested in applying for one of these programs should respond to the request for proposals by Thursday, September 1, 5:00 pm (ET). If applying for both programs, a separate application must be submitted for each.
 
Through the CERT and Citizen Corps Program, individuals learn basic disaster skills which allow them to provide critical support to their communities during and after emergencies and disasters. The program also helps communities become safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to an emergency situation through education and trainings.
 
“Florida consistently counts on an enormous volunteer base to aid in our disaster response efforts, and as our state weathers COVID-19 this hurricane season, this year’s funding is that much more crucial to expand our volunteer forces and promote additional resources,” said Volunteer Florida’s Board Chairman John F. Davis. “Volunteer Florida is proud to administer this funding as our state’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during and after disasters. Our CERT and Citizen Corps grantees fortify our emergency management officials’ great work and play a vital role in our communities’ response and recovery efforts.”
 
Volunteer Florida administers the Florida CERT and Citizen Corps Program in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
 
FDEM is thankful for the invaluable partnership with Volunteer Florida and the resources they provide to Floridians in their time of need,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “With a busy storm season projected, this funding will empower local communities as they respond to and recover from disasters.”
 
To learn more about these programs and to view the request for proposals and application instructions, please click here.

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In 1994, Volunteer Florida was established in Florida Statutes to manage national service programs and advocate for volunteerism throughout the Sunshine State. 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. After 25+ years, Volunteer Florida remains committed to promoting volunteerism in Florida, and launched the state’s official volunteer opportunities platform, Volunteer Connect, in fall 2019. Through our work, Volunteer Florida delivers high-impact volunteer programs and opportunities that engage Floridians, transform communities and make the state a better place to live. For more information, please visit www.volunteerflorida.org.