$300,000 in Risk Management Grant funds are now available for the 2018-2019 fund year.
Each year, VMLIP distributes grants to assist members with risk management concerns, including, but not limited to, current hazards and risks, reducing exposure and associated risk, address outstanding recommendations, and improving risk management efforts through risk management guideline (RMG) implementation.
“Last year we received a great deal of requests for items such as security cameras and better lighting,” said Bullock. “Better lighting helps prevent trips and falls, and provides more security for member employees.”
Other significant request items were:
- Confined space equipment, such as gas detectors and monitors;
- AEDs and First Aid Kits (allowed via a one-time purchase for items that previously were not grant eligible); and
- Traffic control devices (barrels, signs).
Other requests that were awarded include:
- Husqvarna concrete flat wet saw, which reduces silica and concrete dust;
- Carport, to assist with avoiding heat stroke;
- Onsite slip, trip and fall training and simulation;
- Demolition of a hazardous building, grant funds paid a small portion for a building that was deemed a threat to public safety;
- Asbestos removal, grants paid only a small portion;
- Drone purchases; and
- Protective clothing bags, SCBA bags and storage holders for turnout gear that has been exposed to hazardous materials.
“One area in particular where we are excited about providing grant funds is for our schools,” said VMLIP Director of Risk Services Thomas Bullock. “This spring we partnered with STOPit – a mobile and web application service that is designed to help deter bullying in schools.”
$50,000 in grant funds were set aside for school systems requesting funds to implement a STOPit campaign in one or more of their schools. Funding is still available in this grant period for this purpose.
“We worked with STOPit to negotiate a reduced rate for members,” said Bullock.
For more information on STOPit, click here.
“In addition to funds set-aside for STOPit, we have now moved the grant process back to just one application period,” said Bullock. “All eligible funding requests will again be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.”
2018 FAQs
- There will be only one application period for 2018 – 2019 grant funds.
- Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as in previous years.
- $300,000 in grant funding will be made available.
- Grant requests cannot be too small or too big. Funding has been provided for small purchases as low as $50 – and to assist in the purchase of larger items.
- Additional FAQ here.
Past requests and relevant coverages:
- One person electric elevating platform (WC)
- Uline double scissor manual lift tables (WC)
- Safety nets for baseball/softball fields (Liability)
- Body harness with self-retracting lifeline (WC)
- Risk management training/conference attendance (WC and PO)
- Lightning detector system (Property)
- General use universal fall protection harness to be used with one person manlift (WC)
- Aerial lift platform (WC)
- Washing machine for firefighter’s gear (WC)
- Playground mulch (Liability)
For more information and to apply, click here.