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 (ESPF) provides funding helps first responder organizations buy emergency response equipment that’s used directly in response to a fire or emergency. Organizations can only receive funding once every 3 years. First responder organizations can apply until 13 June 2024.
Use the Emergency Services Provider Fund Application Form to apply for funding to buy emergency response equipment.
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
Once a project is approved, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides an approval letter and terms and conditions that outline the conditions of the funding. The department provides 100% of the funding after you agree to the terms and conditions (and return the signed document).
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 13 June 2024. Only money spent on costs between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 is eligible for funding.
How to apply
- Review detailed program criteria in the Emergency Services Provider Fund (ESPF) Program Guidelines.
- Complete the application form.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Send your completed application and supporting documents by email.
- 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