Eligible EMS agencies and organizations in OEMS Region 6 are encouraged to apply for the Fall 2026 Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) competitive matching grant cycle.
The Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2026 RSAF Grant Cycle. The program provides financial assistance to eligible Virginia EMS agencies and organizations for equipment, vehicles, training programs, special projects, and other initiatives that support and improve the delivery of emergency medical services.
Application Deadline
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Applications must be completed and submitted through the EMS Grant Information Funding Tool (E-GIFT) by the deadline.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
RSAF funding is available to qualifying Virginia EMS agencies and organizations operating for the benefit of the general public.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Licensed EMS agencies
- Nonprofit EMS organizations
- Governmental or volunteer EMS agencies that meet RSAF eligibility requirements
- Certain non-licensed EMS organizations supporting the delivery of emergency medical services, such as volunteer fire departments, 911 centers, community colleges, sheriff’s offices, and regional EMS councils
Organizations should review the current RSAF requirements to confirm eligibility before beginning an application.
What Can RSAF Funding Support?
RSAF funds may be used to support projects such as:
- Replacement or purchase of EMS equipment
- EMS vehicles
- Establishment of a new EMS program or service where needed
- Expansion or improvement of an existing EMS program or service
- EMS training programs and training equipment
- Computers and EMS management programs
- Projects supporting EMS recruitment and retention
- Other eligible projects that improve emergency medical services
The program is a competitive matching grant, and applications are evaluated according to the current RSAF policies, funding priorities, and scoring criteria.
Important Application Requirements
Region 6 agencies planning to apply should begin preparing their applications well before the September deadline.
Fall 2026 applications must include the required supporting documentation, including:
- Itemized price quotes for requested items
- Verification of the organization’s Federal Identification Number (FIN)
- Required information and supporting documentation within E-GIFT
- All appropriate electronic signatures
The E-GIFT application process includes roles for the Authorized Agent, Financial Officer, and Agency Operational Medical Director (OMD), when applicable. Agencies should ensure the appropriate individuals have access to E-GIFT and have sufficient time to review and electronically sign the application before the deadline.
Each agency may submit one RSAF application per grant cycle, although multiple eligible items may be included within that application.
Fall 2026 Grant Period
Awards from the Fall 2026 RSAF cycle will have a 12-month grant period beginning:
January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
RSAF is primarily a reimbursement grant program, meaning awarded agencies generally purchase approved items and then submit the required documentation for reimbursement.
Before You Apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the current RSAF materials provided by OEMS, including:
- Fall 2026 RSAF Grant Cycle Announcement
- RSAF Policies and Procedures
- RSAF Scoring Criteria
- Fall 2026 Consolidated Grants Product Price List
- Fall 2026 Pre-Award Technical Assistance Webinar materials
- E-GIFT user guides
The Consolidated Grants Product Price List provides average pricing for equipment and vehicles commonly requested through RSAF. Grant awards for listed items will not exceed the applicable amount identified by OEMS or available statewide contract pricing, as applicable.
Apply Through E-GIFT
RSAF applications must be submitted through the Virginia Office of EMS E-GIFT system.
RSAF Grant Information and Resources
For complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, policies, grant documents, and current resources, visit the Virginia Office of EMS RSAF Grant Program page:
Virginia OEMS Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) Grant Program
Region 6 Agencies: Don’t Wait Until the Deadline
Agencies considering an RSAF request should begin the process early. Obtaining quotes, completing the application, coordinating required reviews, and securing all electronic signatures can take time.
The Fall 2026 RSAF application deadline is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Region 6 agencies that meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to review the available resources and determine whether RSAF funding could support equipment, training, programs, or other identified EMS system needs within their organization.
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