Grants
2024 Grant Applications are now open!
Cover Sheet Information
The Foundation’s Grant Program Focuses On Providing The City’s Volunteer Rescue Squad Entities With A Fiscal Alternative To Improve Their Overall Operational Capabilities.
Congratulations To The 2022 Grant Recipients!
The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation is pleased to announce 2022 grant awards totaling $117,117 to the following entities within the Volunteer Rescue Squads of Virginia Beach:
- Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad: $32,986 to be applied toward the purchase of a Type 1 Ambulance. This, along with a city loan for another truck brings their fleet up to 4 ambulances newer than 2017.
- Davis Corner Volunteer Rescue Squad: $5,581 to be applied toward the purchase of a Pedimate Plus, Scoop Stretcher, batteries for Stryker Power Cots, mattresses for the power cots and an O2 cylinder lift.
- Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad: $36,000 to be applied toward the purchase of a replacement Powerload stretcher and a third LUCAS device.
- Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad: $24,000 to be applied toward miscellaneous operational and PPE equipment
- Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad: $8,000 to be applied toward the purchase of a computer/monitor Replacement and jump bag replacement
- Marine Rescue Team: $10,550 to be applied toward the purchase of a new inflatable rescue boat for flood and high water response, new computer hardware and software for two duty rooms, and training costs.
2024 Grant Guidelines
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 Friday, September 29, 2023 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.
MATCHING GRANT FUNDS
The Foundation welcomes collaboration with other grant-makers and favors applicant organizations with multiple sources of support. To this end, the Foundation will consider grant applications seeking matching funds for applicable EMS developmental programs and capital projects that meet the eligibility requirements described above.
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
Given the Foundation’s mission, focus and priorities, grant proposals are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Potential for impact: The project makes a meaningful contribution to discourse and/or to the EMS field; expands knowledge; raises community awareness of a specific issue within the EMS spectrum
- Feasibility: The project has clear and realistic goals, timeframe, work plan, and budget demonstrating that the grant funds will be utilized efficiently and effectively
- Applicability: The pre-hospital care component is clearly defined with stated need(s) and outcome(s)
GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
The Foundation will announce the Grant Application Process and make an online link available. Receipt of this announcement will serve as official notification of the commencement of the Foundation’s grant program for the succeeding year in accordance with the grant cycle discussed above. Rescue squad entities considering applying for a grant should refer to the Grant Application Package for detailed instructions on how to apply for a grant.
Eligible candidates interested in applying for a grant from the Foundation must submit the Grant Application Form included with the Grant Application Package by the advertised deadline. Applicants should contact the Foundation via telephone or e-mail with any questions pertaining to the application process.
The Foundation will appoint a Grant Review Committee. Grant applications will be reviewed and prioritized in accordance with the criteria described above.
Funding recommendations for the successful applications will be presented to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for consideration. If a grant is awarded, the applicant will be asked to sign a Grant Agreement that outlines the conditions of the award, such as annual reporting. Applicants whose grants are not approved will be sent a letter of declination at this stage outlining the reason for disapproval.
GRANT REPORTING
The Foundation requires a grant report for all approved grants. A grant report for any previous grant must be on file before the next grant will be awarded. A schedule of report due dates will be included with the award document.
Contact Information:
Gina Benefiel
Executive Director
Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation
740 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-437-0968
757-437-0967 (fax)
gbenefiel@vbrescuefoundation.org
www.vbrescuefoundation.org
Previously Awarded Grants
Below are some examples of previously awarded grants from the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation.
ALS Attack Pack
Large kits that provide storage and easy access to virtually all EMS supplies.
LUCAS Devices
The LUCAS device is an easy-to-use mechanical chest compression device that helps lifesaving teams around the world deliver high-quality, guidelines-consistent chest compressions to sudden cardiac arrest patients; in the field, on the move and in the hospital.
Stair Chairs
Ideal for use in restaurants, airplanes or narrow hallways, the Junkin’s Stair Chair can help evacuate patients from any scenario.
Browelow™ Set
The Broselow™ system is a color-coded system that helps provide quick and accurate medication dosing by utilizing length to categorize pediatric patients using color zones. The system also offers immediate access to crucial pre-sized emergency equipment. It includes seven specific modules, manual resuscitation equipment and a medication dosage guide.
Video Laryngoscopes
Video laryngoscopes are an excellent solution for difficult airways. Compared to direct laryngoscopy, video laryngoscopy offers improved glottic visualization, requires less force, and offers a better chance of success.
Combi Stretchers
The CombiCarrierII functions as a scoop-type stretcher minimizing patient movement with no logrolling required and, also, serves as an improved extrication board during vehicle extrication situations. The concave patient surface limits lateral movement of the victim providing more secure stabilization.
Powerload Systems
To Include Ambulance Modification To Accommodate It
Our powered cot fastener system helps boost safety by supporting the cot throughout loading and unloading. The reduction in spinal load helps prevent cumulative trauma injuries.
- Communicates wirelessly with Power-PRO cots
- Eliminates the need to steer the cot into and out of the ambulance
- Helps minimize patient drops by supporting the cot until the wheels are on the ground
- Meets dynamic crash test standards for maximized occupant safety
- Features an easy-to-use manual back-up system
Other Funding Went To:
- Outfit a new ambulance
- Enhance recruitment/retention efforts of individual squad
- Provide Hi-Visibility Rain Jackets, Vests and Pants
- purchase Equipment for Community CPR Program
- Purchase Lifepacs
- Purchase Stretchers
- Purchase Backboards
- Purchase an Ambulance (portion of)
- Purchase IT Equipment (computers, laptops, printers)
- Provide CO2 Monitors and Test Kits
- Purchase Raymarine Axiom chart plotter
- Purchase Drysuits
- Install an Oxygen Fill Station