The EMS Assistance Grant FY26 is a state-funded initiative managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) through its Division of EMS and Highway Safety. This grant program aims to support Illinois-based Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers in organizing, developing, and improving EMS systems. The program specifically supports training personnel and acquiring, modifying, or maintaining essential supplies and equipment. The program is part of IDPH’s commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure and promoting equitable access to emergency medical care.

Applicants must be licensed EMS providers physically located in Illinois and able to demonstrate a need for the requested resources. Providers located outside Illinois, even if licensed in the state, are ineligible. Funding comes from the EMS Assistance Fund, created through fines and fees collected under the Illinois EMS Systems Act. These funds are distributed to 11 EMS regions across the state, which in turn follow their individual EMS Regional Plans to recommend awards. The final decisions on awards are made by IDPH’s Division of EMS and Highway Safety.

The total available program funding is $72,175, with award amounts ranging between $100 and $5,000. The program will not fund new vehicles, vehicle re-chassis, building projects, or requests over $5,000. Matching contributions are not required, and indirect costs are not allowed. The program has a single-year grant period running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Grant-funded purchases or educational activities must be completed within this fiscal year.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the IDPH Electronic Grants Administration and Management System (EGrAMS) at idphgrants.com between April 1 and May 1, 2025, by 5:00 PM CDT. Required submission documents include the Uniform State Grant Application, project narrative, budget and budget narrative (all entered in EGrAMS), a provider’s W-9, financial statement, and a valid Illinois EMS provider license. No technical assistance session is being offered for this grant cycle.

Evaluation of applications will be conducted by EMS Regional Advisory Committees in accordance with their respective EMS Region Plans. Applications will be scored using a five-point scale based on urgency and impact, and a health equity-based review will evaluate how applicants incorporate IDPH’s Health Equity Checklist, cultural competence, and focus on social determinants of health. Awards will be announced via email through EGrAMS. Applicants must sign electronically and physically to accept funding.

For questions, applicants can contact Julie Havens, RN, Special Programs Coordinator, at Julie.Havens@illinois.gov or (217) 785-9220.