Understandably, this can be a frustrating factor, not knowing if and when and how much Federal matching funds may be available for RACES equipment from year to year. Jurisdiction budget cycles vary, as do the techniques within jurisdictions. Some can take eighteen months, others can move quickly within days. Nevertheless, "short fuse" FEMA fund opportunities do occur, and can be utilized to help with budgetary problems with adequate planning. Which is a very good opportunity to include your Radio Officer.
Don't short change the ingenuity of your Radio Officer when it comes to the budgetary process. Besides FEMA matching funds, the Radio Officer can sometimes attract local business contributions, filtered through appropriate means, such as a local service organization. In times of short budget funding, look for the unusual opportunities and be prepared to take advantage of those that are suitable to your jurisdiction.
---Stan Harter, KH6GBX