Emergency Medical Services Grant Program

The Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Montana Department of Transportation and was established following legislative action in 2009 recognizing the importance of prehospital emergency medical services in improving patient outcomes and roadway safety. The Montana Legislature determined that access to timely emergency care provided by trained paramedics and emergency medical technicians before hospital arrival is a critical component of the state’s healthcare infrastructure. The program was later made permanent through subsequent legislative action, reflecting continued state commitment to supporting emergency response capabilities, particularly in rural areas where service sustainability can be challenging due to economic and geographic constraints. The purpose of the program is to provide competitive financial assistance to eligible emergency medical service providers for the acquisition or lease of ambulances and emergency response vehicles, as well as the purchase of equipment used for training, communication, and direct patient care. Eligible equipment includes items such as CPR training manikins, automated external defibrillators, cardiac monitors, communication radios compliant with state interoperability standards, and other medical or extrication tools. Routine or disposable supplies are not eligible for funding. Vehicles funded through the program must be used exclusively for emergency response and patient transport and must meet state regulatory specifications. The program is funded through an annual appropriation of up to one million dollars from the state highway non-restricted account. Grant recipients are required to provide a ten percent match of the requested funding amount, and applicants must demonstrate that these matching funds are secured in a financial institution at the time of application. An additional portion of funding may be reserved for emergency situations involving the unexpected loss or failure of critical equipment or vehicles, though such requests must be documented and approved separately. Eligibility for the program is limited to licensed emergency medical service providers that meet specific statutory requirements. Applicants must have been in operation for at least twelve months, must bill for services at a level equivalent to Medicare or be publicly funded volunteer services, and must have a workforce composed of at least fifty-one percent volunteer emergency medical technicians. Private for-profit entities or agencies employing a majority of regularly paid EMTs are not eligible. Applicants must also comply with all relevant Montana statutes governing EMS licensure. Applications are submitted annually through the state’s WebGrants system, with the application period opening on May 1, 2026, and closing on June 30, 2026. Required application components include a detailed statement of need, a proposed budget outlining use of funds, documentation of secured matching funds, and supporting materials such as equipment plans or certifications where applicable. Applicants must also provide information on current resources, service gaps, and anticipated improvements to patient care outcomes. Equipment purchases for awarded grants are handled by the Montana Department of Transportation in accordance with state procurement laws. Applications are evaluated through a competitive scoring process based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria. The largest weighting is given to demonstrated need and the extent to which requested resources address service gaps and improve patient care. Additional factors include the volume and type of emergency calls, geographic service area, distance to other providers and hospitals, and the proportion of volunteer staff. Previous receipt of grant funding may result in score deductions. Applications are ranked and funded in order of priority until available funds are exhausted. Applicants who are not awarded funding may appeal the decision by submitting a written request within thirty days of notification. The department provides an appeal process, and final decisions are made by the department director. Successful recipients must comply with reporting and record retention requirements for at least three years following completion of the grant agreement. For additional information, applicants may contact Bryce Shaneyfelt at the Montana Department of Transportation via email or by phone at 406-444-3430.

Clearly demonstrate service gaps and prioritize requested items; provide strong documentation of need and financial readiness; align request with patient care improvements and scoring criteria