EMS Grant Opportunities

Emergency Medical Services for Children Pediatric 
Jump Kits for Ambulance Project

Life saving supplies for pediatric patients of all sizes will be organized in one easy to find place with the addition of a Pediatric Jump Kit.  This project, sponsored by the General Federation of Women's Clubs - Wisconsin will assist Wisconsin ambulance service providers to obtain a pediatric jump kits for their ambulance(s).  See the project announcement. (PDF, 114 kb)

Assistance to Firefighters Grants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to offer the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) grant program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. 

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations.  These grants have helped firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.  Comprehensive grant information is available at firegrantsupport.com.

EMS Operations and Safety Program funding is available to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations.  Funding under this program is limited to EMS training, EMS equipment including personal protective equipment and specialty access vehicles (such as ATVs, snowmobiles, and gators), wellness and fitness, and modifications to stations and facilities.

EMS Vehicle Acquisition Program funding is available to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations. Eligible apparatus  under this program include, but are not limited to ambulances, transport units and rescue squads.

SAFER Grants provide funding for the hiring of fire and emergency response personnel and incentives for volunteer recruitment and retention. 

AFG’s website contains useful background information on AFG program priorities and program guidance, as well as tutorials on applying for each program and other useful materials. The applications are automated and accessible at this website.  Organizations that have questions regarding these grant opportunities should contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or via email at firegrants@dhs.gov.

Rural Emergency Responders Initiative

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, through its community facilities program, provides funding for the Rural Emergency Responders Initiative to specifically strengthen the ability of rural communities to respond to local emergencies.  Community facilities program funds are used to support rural emergency responder efforts by financing needed equipment and services.  These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes.

Funds may be used to finance equipment, vehicles, and/or buildings for fire protection, rescue/ambulance, emergency responders training facilities, etc.

Rural Development, through its community facilities program, provides financial assistance to develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include schools, libraries, childcare, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation.

More grant program information is available from the Rural Assistance Center at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/cf/Emerg_Responder/rural_emergency_responders_initi.htm. 

Last Revised: June 30, 2008