With funding for fire departments dwindling, Georgia Pacific continues to offer an annual Bucket Brigade grant program.

Jason Daniel, director of public affairs at the Brewton mill of Georgia Pacific, said applications for the grants are now being accepted from area fire departments.

“Our local fire departments have a chance to apply for grants that could be up to $10,000,” Daniel said. “There are several grants awarded through the program with some at $5,000 and others at $10,000. The amount awarded is based on several things and could certainly help a volunteer fire department or other local fire department with needed funding.”

Daniel said local GP officials will review applications and submit them on behalf of the applying department to the national GP Foundation’s grant selection committee.

“We will look at the applications and make sure they have been completed properly and meet all of the criteria used in the selection process,” Daniel said. “Once the applications are reviewed, we will make sure they get to the right place for consideration in the grant process.”

Daniel said any fire department may apply for the grant funds and should consider a variety of items when completing the required forms in the process.

“The grants are typically awarded to departments based on needs,” Daniel said. “If an application shows a need for funds that will immediately help save lives, that’s certainly going to be at the top of the list. Other things considered in the process is a department’s proximity to a Georgia Pacific mill and their service to that mill.”

Daniel said the applications will be considered nationally with departments competing for the funds available.

“When the GP Foundation committee looks at the applications submitted, they consider a variety of points,” Daniel said. “One thing they look at is if there are any GP employees working at the mill that also volunteer with a fire department. They also consider the value of the request. Sometimes the values of the request outweigh other factors.”

Any department wishing to submit an application for grant consideration is invited to visit the Georgia Pacific Website to download the forms. Visit GP.com, click on community and educational resources and find the Bucket Brigade tab for additional information and form download.

“We need to have those applications to our offices here no later than June 27,” Daniel said. “The national deadline is June 29, but we need time to review those applications locally to make sure everything is complete before final submission.”

Applications can be delivered to the GP Brewton mill office on Hwy. 31, or they can be mailed to Daniel at 32224 Hwy. 31, Brewton, AL 36426.

“I would encourage every fire department to submit an application,” Daniel said. “The opportunity for grant funding is available and I would hate for anyone to miss out. Even those departments who have won in the past still have a chance to apply for these funds. Applying for these funds sure can’t hurt.”

In previous grant award periods McCall, Flomaton and Friendship Fire Departments have received funds.