The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards one-year grants to help fire departments improve firefighting operations, strengthen firefighter health and safety programs, and establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the country. These funds are part of the $650 million Congress approved for 2005 to support fire departments nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.