The Nova Scotia Government has announced an increase in available funding for emergency response organizations through its Emergency Services Provider Fund.
According to the Nova Scotia Government, total funding for 2025 has been raised to $4 million, up from $1.2 million last year.
The maximum available per applicant has increased from $20,000 to $30,000.
Coverage has also been extended to 90 percent of eligible costs, compared to 75 percent in 2024.
Applications under the individual stream are open from June 15 to July 30.
The Province has introduced a new regional funding stream targeting collective needs across emergency services.
According to the government, up to $200,000 will be available for region-wide initiatives.
This stream is intended to support coordinated response and recovery strategies between fire departments, search and rescue teams, and hazmat units.
Applications under the regional category will be accepted from September 1 to October 14.
Regional projects can include shared equipment, specialized vehicles, and collective public education programs.
The Province stated that funding is also available for mental health resiliency initiatives and multi-agency training programs.
The Nova Scotia Government listed several types of equipment covered under the individual organization stream.
These include personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, and communications tools.
Firefighting, rescue, water suppression and hazmat equipment are also eligible.
Additionally, emergency power supplies for buildings may be funded.
Individual fire departments and teams can apply for support once every two years, instead of once every three years.
Regional funding supports shared-use resources and infrastructure.
Examples include training centers, command vehicles, and equipment pools such as rope kits and drones.
Funds can also be used for planning tools like hazard assessments and FireSmart program improvements.
Public education campaigns and interagency exercises are eligible.
Regional applicants may also request funds for terrain vehicles used in wildland firefighting and search and rescue missions.
The application window for individual grants runs from June 15 to July 30.
The regional stream will open on September 1 and close on October 14.
More information is available through the Nova Scotia Government’s emergency management division.
Emergency services across the province are encouraged to coordinate for regional applications.
The Nova Scotia Government has increased its Emergency Services Provider Fund to $4 million for the 2025 fiscal year.
The increase represents a $2.8 million rise from the previous year.
Individual grants now provide up to $30,000 per organization.
Cost coverage under the fund has been raised to 90 percent.
A new regional stream allows funding of up to $200,000 for joint projects.
Applications for individual funding are open from June 15 to July 30.
Regional applications will be accepted from September 1 to October 14.
Eligible items include PPE, SCBA, rescue tools, training and shared-use vehicles.
New guidelines allow applications every two years instead of three.
Regional projects may also cover mental health, education and interagency coordination.
