Participation of Private Aid Organizations in Civil Protection

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia supports private aid organizations, especially their state associations, that are actively involved in civil protection. The funding aims to maintain the operational capability of emergency units and water rescue teams in NRW.

The program funds non-investment expenditures of private aid organizations active in civil protection in North Rhine-Westphalia. The financial resources are primarily intended for exercises and training measures, as well as for the necessary administration of the units, to ensure their operational readiness.

Financial support is provided in the form of non-repayable grants, awarded as fixed amounts per recognized emergency unit or water rescue team. This constitutes institutional funding, which is generally based on the number of units.

The funding is tied to specific conditions, including requirements for the staffing and suitability of the emergency units, as well as the distribution of expenditures between exercises/training and administration. Compliance with these conditions is crucial for full eligibility.

The application procedure requires the submission of a complete application with a budget and economic plan by October 31 of the previous year to the competent district government. The approving authority decides on the allocation of funds.

The funding program is based on the "Funding Guideline for the Participation of Private Aid Organizations in Civil Protection" of the Ministry of Interior North Rhine-Westphalia and is embedded within the legal framework of the Fire Protection, Assistance, and Civil Protection Act, as well as the State Budget Code.