MISSION
To support an independent and vital Virginia Beach volunteer rescue system.
GRANT FOCUS AND PURPOSE
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) applicable to the volunteer rescue squad system engage a wide range of social, political, technological and environmental issues. Open discourse between the City of Virginia Beach, its paid emergency services organizations, the volunteer rescue squads and the citizens of Virginia Beach is essential to study, understand and resolve the specific issues associated with integrating and operating a volunteer rescue squad system within the City’s paid emergency system. The Foundation’s grant program focuses on providing the City’s volunteer rescue squad entities with a fiscal alternative that enables the volunteer rescue squad system to better provide the City of Virginia Beach with a balanced and effective EMS capability. With the Foundation’s support, the work of the individual rescue squad entities and their related support organizations will have the opportunity to improve their overall operational capability. Grants will be made to eligible volunteer rescue squad entities to sponsor training, equipment and community outreach related to pre-hospital emergency care in the following categories:
- Equipment & Supplies
- Training and Education
- Community Awareness
- Capital Expenditures
- Recruitment & Retention
GEOGRAPHIC AREA SERVED
The Foundation will normally only consider requests for grants that are submitted by qualified volunteer rescue squad entities or related emergency medical support organizations (e.g., Rescue Dive Team, Rescue Council, etc.) that predominantly serve the City of Virginia Beach.
GRANT AMOUNT
Grants awards will depend upon the annual budget allocated by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
GRANT CYCLE
The Foundation will normally consider one grant application per volunteer rescue squad entity each fiscal year (January 1 – December 31). Grant awards are made annually in January. Applications must be either postmarked, email stamped or hand-delivered no later than Sunday, January 31, 2021 at midnight for the Foundation’s consideration in January.
ELIGIBILITY
The Foundation will only consider applications for grants submitted by recognized volunteer rescue squad entities or related emergency medical support organizations working to improve or advocate for an independent and vital volunteer rescue system that predominantly serves the City of Virginia Beach. Only 501(c) (3) tax exempt organizations are eligible for funding.
GRANT PERIOD
Grant support is generally authorized on a year to year basis; however, in exceptional situations and at the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Foundation may offer grant support for multi-year projects. In these instances, grants must be completed within two years of notification of award. Applicants should allow sufficient time to plan, implement, close out their project, and, if funded, acknowledge the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation support in all printed media.