St. Francis Foundation Emergency First Responder Grant Program

The St. Francis Foundation Emergency First Responder Request Form is a private funding opportunity administered through CHI Health St. Francis Foundation to support emergency and first responder units serving specific counties in Nebraska, including Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Greeley, and Merrick Counties. The foundation’s mission is centered on improving community health outcomes, and this grant program is designed to strengthen the capacity of first responders by funding equipment, supplies, and training that directly enhance service delivery and public safety. The program emphasizes urgent and impactful projects that address clear and significant community needs. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to assist eligible emergency response organizations in acquiring non-routine resources that improve their operational effectiveness. Funds are strictly limited to project-based expenditures such as equipment, supplies, or training programs that contribute to improved community health outcomes. The grant explicitly prohibits the use of funds for salaries, wages, or employee benefits, and it discourages funding requests for routine operational expenses. Projects must demonstrate a direct benefit to residents and align with broader goals of community health improvement. Eligibility is restricted to emergency and first responder units operating within the specified counties. While the application form does not explicitly list entity types, it is implied that eligible applicants include fire departments, EMS units, law enforcement agencies, and similar public safety entities serving defined geographic areas. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with community partners and leverage additional funding sources, including county budgets or other grants, to maximize the impact of the requested funds. The application process requires detailed organizational and project information, including organizational identification details, contact information, and a formal project proposal. Applicants must provide a one-paragraph summary, a detailed description of how funds will be used, a project timeline, evaluation metrics, partnership details, sustainability plans, and funding history with the foundation. Additional documentation includes a required W-9 form and supporting materials such as vendor quotes. The application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on June 12, 2026. Evaluation criteria are clearly defined and include project significance and urgency, measurable evaluation methods, evidence of additional funding or resource leveraging, and sustainability planning. Bonus points are awarded based on participation in the foundation’s fundraising event, Ticket to Win, including ticket sales and event attendance. Projects are scored and ranked, and funding is distributed accordingly, prioritizing those with the highest impact and strongest alignment with program goals. Funds awarded must be expended within 12 months of receipt, and recipients are required to submit a year-end report detailing expenditures and measurable outcomes. Awardees are also encouraged to provide supplemental materials such as photos and success stories demonstrating community impact. Organizations that receive funding may apply in subsequent years for new or expanded projects but are not permitted to seek ongoing funding for the same initiative. For questions or additional information, applicants may contact Morgan Rader at CHI Health St. Francis Foundation via phone or email. The program operates on an annual cycle, with a fixed application deadline and structured evaluation process. This recurring funding opportunity supports continuous improvement in emergency response capabilities across the designated service region.

Prioritize urgent and high-impact projects; clearly define measurable outcomes; demonstrate additional funding sources; include sustainability planning