EMS and Homeland Security Funding Keeps Us Safe

Now more than ever, creative and effective management of our security apparatus has taken center stage. Though we benefit from ever-increasing technology sophistication, more needs to be done to ensure our systems and our people remain safe and protected. GrantWatch is aware of what’s at stake and has made a special effort to identify Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Homeland Security grants currently available to help our country remain strong and fortified to keep ahead of these issues. In the United States, we have a massive and complex network of emergency medical personnel, and technology safeguards in place to help us address the ongoing, daily issues that test our resolve as a nation.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic as the ‘Ultimate Test’ of EMS and Homeland Security Safeguards

The COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID”) was one of the most recent issues — and, of course, the most dramatic — example of the importance of having a cohesive, thorough emergency response network. Findings of the 2020 National EMS Assessment completed just prior to COVID helped provide valuable insights on telehealth, health information exchange, and disaster preparedness.

The assessment shows that more than 18,200 local EMS agencies responded to 911 calls for medical emergencies and injuries, employing nearly 73,500 ground vehicles, such as ambulances and fire engines. There were (at least) 42 million agency responses for EMS calls in 2018. This staggering number means that out of the entire U.S. population, one person for every 10 made a 911 call.

In addition, EMS conducted 30 million patient transports to emergency departments, alternative destinations, or between facilities. By any measure, that is a considerable amount of mobile healthcare being delivered. More than just driving a patient to the hospital, this system provides intervention, care, and lifesaving assistance on the move.

Impact of Current EMS Action

In 2018, according to a review of the findings by Rob Lawrence with EMS One, there were a total of 1,052,843 licensed professionals in this field. This included 583,608 EMTs, 268,420 paramedics, and 21,514 emergency medical dispatchers all overseen by 9,348 medical directors. As stated by Lawrence, “If we could all lobby for change in the same direction, at the same time, we would be a force to be reckoned with!”

It’s clear that efficient emergency preparedness and security are both vital to our continued growth and development as a nation. As a result, GrantWatch has provided a list of grants and fellowships that are available to help strengthen EMS and Homeland Security safeguards. Using GrantWatch, you can also find a list of foundations that have given donations or grants to support EMS/Homeland Security programs in the past.

It is essential to utilize available funding to help develop and maintain strong emergency preparedness. These security safeguards can make all the difference in our continued growth as a nation! Be sure to also read here for more on cybersecurity funding that is available.

Grants for EMS and Homeland Security Safeguards

1. Grants are available for eligible nonprofits for capital, operations, and programming. Funding is for crisis stabilization and emergency needs.
2. There are also grants available to local government units for prevention and crime reduction programs. Funding supports law enforcement, crisis intervention, technology improvements, and crime and victim activities.
3. In addition, there are grants of up to $25,000 to fire departments to enhance operations. Funding is for training, technology, and equipment.
4. There are fellowships for professionals to do work regarding U.S. foreign policy. Participants are placed in policy-oriented, public service, and scholarly settings. Research focuses on national security and emerging security threats.
5. Grants are available to rural nonprofits and governmental EMS agencies for professional education and training. Funding supports the recruitment and development of rural EMS personnel.
6. There are also grants to law enforcement agencies for acquiring and training skilled police dogs. Funding helps cover the costs of acquiring and training a canine, as well as equipment and certification.
7. In addition, there are grants of up to $50,000 available to eligible entities to improve emergency response capacity. This includes fire departments and EMS and law enforcement agencies. Funding is for the purchase of life-saving equipment, disaster relief, scholarships, and prevention education.
8. There are grants to eligible emergency response providers for training and equipment. Eligible applicants include paramedic or EMS departments, fire departments, and law enforcement departments.
9. Grants are also open to Florida rural counties for the installation and maintenance of emergency hotline systems that provide 911 and enhanced 911 service. Funding may go to maintenance costs and equipment purchase or installation. 
10. Additionally, grants are available to Israel and International Jewish institutions and community organizations, including Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centers, to increase security.
11. Lastly, grants are available to organizations, businesses, and individuals for cybersecurity-related projects.

About GrantWatch

With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here.