Apply for funding to buy equipment that’s used directly in response to a fire or emergency: Emergency Services Provider Fund

The Emergency Services Provider Fund offers financial help to fire departments and ground search and rescue organizations, including hazardous materials (HAZMAT) organizations. The funding is for equipment that’s used directly in response to a fire or emergency.

Funding amount

The Emergency Services Provider Fund may fund up to 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000.

Eligible costs

Eligible costs include:

• personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• communications equipment
• miscellaneous fire fighting equipment
• rescue equipment
• water supply and suppression equipment
• HAZMAT equipment
• emergency power for buildings

Ineligible costs include:

• operating and administrative costs
• vehicles of any type, including boats and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• vehicle upgrades
• new construction or upgrades to facilities (other than emergency power)
• equipment not used directly in the response to a fire or emergency situation

Reporting requirements

If you receive funding from the Emergency Services Provider Fund, you need to submit a Statement of Expenditures within 60 days of completing the project.

Accessing the funding

For approved grants of up to $4,999, the Emergency Services Provider Fund provides up to 100% of the funding at the start of the project. For approved grants from $5,000 to $20,000, the fund provides up to 70% of the funding at the start of the project and the remaining funding when you complete the project.

Eligibility

You can apply for funding if you’re a:

• fire department
• ground search and rescue organization
• hazardous materials (HAZMAT) organization
• first responder organization

Organizations can only receive funding once every 3 years.

You need to apply for funding by 9 June 2023. Only money spent on costs between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 is eligible for funding.

How to apply

1. Review detailed program criteria in the Emergency Services Provider Fund (ESPF) Program Guidelines.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
4. Send your completed application and supporting documents by email.
5. Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing reviews your application after the submission deadline (this can take 6 to 8 weeks).

How long it takes

It should take 6 to 8 weeks for the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing to review your funding application and let you know if your funding application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn’t been filled in correctly.

Cost

There is no cost to apply for the funding, but you need to provide funding (from 1 or more sources) to fund the balance of the project.

Before you start

Make sure you:

• review the Emergency Services Provider Fund Program Guidelines
• complete all sections of the Emergency Services Provider Fund Application Form

Application form

Applications are closed.