Tums Grant-in-aid Program

Description of FRI and mission

TUMS knows how important firefighters are to our communities' safety and well-being, and we want to make sure they are provided with the most up-to-date equipment.

TUMS wanted to create a program that would impact firefighters in a very direct and tangible way. With thousands of fire departments across the country struggling on shoestring budgets and lacking adequate protective clothing, breathing apparatus' and up-to-date equipment, TUMS is proud to help directly assist fire departments.

TUMS, America's first response to heartburn, is now supporting America's first responders to fire and local emergencies through the First Responder Institute (FRI).

First Responder Institute, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to support local U.S. fire departments as well as emergency service personnel. First Responder Institute, created in 1997 by principals of On Target Challenge, Inc., is the philanthropic extension to the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a highly spirited and arduous competition that showcases the talents of our nation's firefighters while stimulating physical fitness within the ranks.

Overview of the firefighter community's need for financial support

Did you know the cost of training and equipping a firefighter is about $6,000, and protective clothing alone can cost $2,000? With such high costs, private sector funding is vital to keep firefighters' equipment up-to-date.

One of the largest problems faced by America's volunteer and professional fire service is funding. Most volunteer departments serve small, rural communities and are quite often the only line of defense in those communities. Unfortunately, these departments are struggling to provide their members with adequate protective clothing and safety devices to protect their communities.

TUMS / Firefighter Promotion and Web Site Brief

As suburbs continue to grow, so does the burden on the local fire departments. Even though many of these departments have the essentials, they can't always afford new technologies.

Vision of the grant program

Here was an opportunity to fund, on a modest scale, some local departments in a very simple but effective way. Why not create a grant-in-aid program that allows needy fire departments to purchase special pieces of equipment? TUMS has stepped up to the plate to help do just that.

It is important to keep firefighters protected and our communities safe. Volunteer firefighters make up to 88% of our nation's firefighting force.

Here's how the program will work. Applications for grants, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, may be obtained from the FRI Web site starting in January 2004. Departments can complete the grant form and file it electronically, and any U.S. fire department is eligible to submit a grant application. Every quarter, the FRI board of directors will review the applications and determine who will be funded. Full details on grant criteria and evaluation are posted on this website under Rules and Criteria (home page link).

How consumers can participate

Here's how you can help.

It's always a great time to purchase TUMS, but starting in January 2003, there's an even better reason. TUMS will donate $.10 to FRI for each TUMS bottle purchased, up to $200,000.

In conjunction with the launch of TUMS' new Smooth Dissolve chewable antacid/calcium tablets, look for TUMS' cause-related marketing campaign to appear at hundreds of retail stores and in newspapers across the country. Themed "TUMS Helps Put Out More Fires Than You Think," the advertising and displays will feature actual firefighters from East Orange, New Jersey who have joined with TUMS and FRI for the cause-related campaign.