The Emergency Services Provider Fund is an application-based program that will assist volunteer fire departments and emergency first responders in obtaining necessary equipment and facilities to respond to hazardous and emergency situations in Nova Scotia.


Who is eligible for the Emergency Services Provider Fund?
• Volunteer fire departments/stations
• Non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations
• Ground Search & Rescue organizations
• Non-affiliated, not-for-profit hazardous material organizations


What projects are eligible for this funding?
• Firefighting and emergency response equipment (e.g.: Jaws of Life, defibrillators, pumps, hoses, compressors, generators)
• New construction and repair to buildings and facilities that house vehicles and equipment (e.g.: extensions to buildings, roof, doors, windows, paving entrance to fire stations where equipment is maintained)
• Ground search and rescue equipment


(Please note: Funding Applications for improvements to leased premises will be considered, provided the lease period extends to at least five years beyond the date the application is submitted to the Department.)


What projects are not eligible for funding?
• fire trucks
• training
• operating costs
• In progress or completed projects

How much funding is available for each project?
• The program will provide up to 60% of the cost, up to a maximum of $250,000 for new construction
• Up to 50% of the applicants contribution can be provided as in-kind material, labour and equipment (20% of project)
• Approved projects receiving over $10,000 in funding will be advanced funding as determined decided by the program
• Grants from other government sources will affect the amount of grant awarded under this program. Total provincial funding cannot exceed 60 per cent of the project costs or $250,000


When can I start my project?
At project approval.


What is the evaluation criteria ?
Program funding is limited. Consequently it may not be possible to respond favourably to all requests for funding. Applications will be assessed on the basis of a variety of criteria including the following:
• Safety benefits to the community
• Cost effectiveness
• Ability of the sponsoring organization to maintain the improved facility
• Demonstrated ability of the sponsoring organization to complete the project in a reasonable time frame


What documentation is required?
Proposals must be accompanied by a completed Emergency Services Provider Fund Application Form and required documentation. Please use the checklist on the Application form. Incomplete submissions will delay consideration of your project.

Organizations approved for project funding will be required to sign a declaration stating that they will use the funding exclusively for the purpose under which approval was granted.

Funding will be released upon receipt of all the required documents.


When will the applications be reviewed?
The Department will review and award projects on a continuous basis, as funding permits. Please note that all project approvals must be made by March 31, 2008.


For more information, contact:
Steven Carrigan
Program Administrator
Tel: (902) 424-5676
Email: carrigsa@gov.ns.ca