Rescue Squads Assistance Fund (RSAF)
Rescue Squads Assistance Fund (RSAF) supports Virginia EMS organizations with equipment, vehicles, training, and recruitment and retention projects to establish or improve public emergency medical services.
Funder: Virginia Department of Health
Due Dates: March 15, 2027 (Spring cycle) | September 15, 2027 (Fall cycle) | Rolling (Emergency applications)
Funding Amounts: No maximum request amount; $500 minimum per line item; 12-month matching grants, primarily reimbursement-based
Summary: Supports Virginia EMS organizations with equipment, vehicles, training programs, and recruitment and retention projects benefiting public emergency medical services.
Key Information: Direct recipients must operate on a nonprofit basis exclusively for the general public’s benefit.
Description
The Rescue Squads Assistance Fund (RSAF) is administered by the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). This multi-million-dollar matching grant program assists Virginia governmental, volunteer, and nonprofit EMS agencies and organizations based on demonstrated need. Eligible work includes purchasing or replacing EMS equipment and vehicles, computers, EMS management programs, courses and classes, recruitment and retention projects, and establishing or improving EMS agencies, services, and training programs.
Alongside its competitive cycles, RSAF accepts emergency applications for needs arising from natural or man-made disasters, as defined in Virginia law. Emergency assistance also addresses incidents or circumstances involving the loss or potential loss of critical equipment or services. Competitive funding recommendations reflect the documented need for each requested item and its impact on services to the public.
