PEMF Pandemic Grant Program

Launch Date: April 6, 2020

Geographic Scope: Western Pennsylvania (10 counties, 59 different EMS services funded to date)

Purpose:
Provide area EMS agencies and first responders with basic-needs items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Created by PEMF board in 24 hours to address urgent needs of frontline EMS workers.

Focus Areas:

• Hygiene items
• Food and basic everyday supplies
• Cleaning and decontamination items for stations
• Personal hygiene items for on-duty crews
• Gift cards for local grocery stores or restaurants

Eligibility:

• Area EMS agencies in Western Pennsylvania
• EMS stations and services
• Members of eligible services submit applications with plans for use of monies

Award Details:

• Funds raised to date: $20,000+ (initial $15,000 from board member donations)
• Once funds granted, each station given license to allocate funds as requested for basic needs of EMS teams
• Application process designed to be simple

Rationale:
Addresses shortages of basic supplies often overlooked and underfunded, or left to individual workers to procure at their own expense. Helps emergency responders manage long and challenging hours during national emergency.

Funding Sources:

• PEMF board member personal donations
• Crowdfunding via Greater Giving digital platform
• Community donations

Contact Information:

• Phone: 412-480-4566
• Email: wolfeba@pemf.net (Ms. Wolfe)
• PEMF President: Chip Berger

Application Process

Start Date: April 6, 2020

Application Method:

1. Find application online or request from Ms. Wolfe
2. Email submission to: wolfeba@pemf.net
3. Phone: 412-480-4566

Application Contents:

• Plans for use of monies awarded
• Option to request gift cards for local grocery stores or restaurants
• Indication of basic needs for EMS team at station

Submission Process:

• Members of EMS services submit applications
• Once funds are granted, stations given license to allocate funds as requested
• Application form available (COVID-19-application form)

Additional Funding:

• Donors can contribute via Greater Giving crowdfunding platform
• PEMF board continues to accept individual donations

Geographic Coverage:
Funds have been awarded to services across:

• Allegheny County
• Armstrong County
• Butler County
• Cambria County
• Fayette County
• Indiana County
• Lawrence County
• Somerset County
• Washington County
• Westmoreland County