Last year was a record-setting and record-tying year for NIRMA’s ASSIST Program in terms of the number of members applying and the number of applications submitted for grant funding assistance. So when it came time for the NIRMA Board of Directors to consider renewing the program for 2020, members voiced a resounding yes.
During its January 24 meeting in Lincoln, the board unanimously approved a recommendation from the Loss Prevention and Safety Committee that the program should be renewed for the 13th year and at a funding level of up to $150,000.
Created in 2008 as part of NIRMA’s 20th anniversary observance, the ASSIST Program has enabled member counties and agencies to achieve a wide range of safety initiatives over the past 12 years, including making equipment purchases and providing training for employees they otherwise may not have been able to without ASSIST grant funds.
During the January 24 meeting, NIRMA Executive Director Craig Nelson told board members that since the inception of the program, 83 members have been approved to receive nearly $1.3 million in funding assistance.
Nelson noted the ASSIST Program has long been considered to be an investment in members’ efforts to enhance the health and safety of not only their employees, but also the general public as they conduct business at member facilities or travel along county roads.
In addition to approving the funding level, board members agreed the application deadline for this year should remain November 1, as it has been for previous years.
