VFD Training Equipment

[benangus1]

Im a member of a small VFD that as many of you have funding issues. And as most of you all know, training is one of the first things that can be effected by the budget. What I am looking for is ideas and ways to aquire a projector and other training materials at a tight budget....

[105]

Break, enter, and theft from the local police department.

Barring that, the usual suspects work - ebay and other online auction sites, approaching the local school to see if they have any old projectors that are unused and going to be turfed, talking to a local supply shop to see if they'll cut you a deal to buy a projector wholesale given that you're a vollie department with very little disposable funds.

[tree68]

Contact a local business or charitable/fraternal organization with a proposal - "We need such-and-such. We believe that this particular item is the best value, and it costs this much. Can you help us out?"

Tell them you won't mind a bit if the item is marked with "Donated by Fred's Sub Shop" (or whatever).

Thank them profusely for their donation and invite them (or one/some of their officers, if it's an organization) to your next banquet/BBQ/dance, on you.

Consider where your members work. Some corporations will do matches or outright donations at the corporate level, even if the local office/store can't/won't.

Check for community foundations, even in nearby cities. If you're within their "service area," and you make a good presentation, they may well fund your request.

The key is to put together a good presentation for a recognizable purpose, and don't get greedy. Put your best writer to work, and and put your best foot forward when you pay them a visit.

[fire49]

Also look for hand me downs. Business or schools or others that are replacing equipment

[T-67 Backstep]

we have been lucky in the cooperation of our local lumber yard. It was as simple as going in and asking politely.
Places like this often have "seconds" or rejected items that they cannot sell to customers but they may either donate or sell to you at a reduced cost. We recently aquired 4 different doors of different styles in this manner.
IMO it can't hurt to ask. The worst they can say is no we can't

[Volunteer18]

You might also look into getting some grants.Our dept. has gotten several grants in the past.We have a great treasure who stays on top of this stuff and really knows how to write proposals and such.Might be something to look into.

[volff1170]

I would ask a local school, if possible. If you need to buy one, check out Govdeals.com. They have all sorts of office equipment for sale.

[nlfireguy]

Use you laptop. Go to tigerdirect and buy the little "box" that turns your laptop into a TV. It is not hard for 20 guys to watch a football on a 27" or 32" tv so traiing dvds or downloads should be no different. I have the sabrent pc to tv converter box. It was like 35 bucks shipped. Free videos from everyone goes home or responder safety and your good to go