The 2006 Program Guidance states that in order for an EMS organization to be eligible for AFG funding, that EMS organization cannot be affiliated with a hospital. What does "affiliated" mean?
By "affiliated" we mean receiving any kind of direct support from the hospital in the form of funding, facilities, staff, or apparatus. Contracting with a hospital on a fee-for-service basis would not constitute an "affiliation" in the context of this program.
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My EMS organization is co-located with the city fire department. Can we apply as a nonaffiliated EMS organization?
If your nonaffiliated EMS organization does not report to the fire chief and your organization has its own discretionary budget, then the nonaffiliated EMS organization is eligible to apply for the AFG program, even though they are co-located with the fire department.
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The grant program prohibits "for-profit" organizations from applying for grant funding. How do I determine if I am not "for-profit"?
If you are a municipally-based organization, i.e., an organization that provides service on behalf of a governmental entity, or if you are registered with the IRS as a 501(c) corporation, you are eligible to receive funding from the grant program.
According to the IRS definition, a 501(c)(3) corporation is: "A corporation, or any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes . . . no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. . . ."
According to the IRS definition, a 501(c)(4) corporation is: "A civic league or organization not organized for profit but operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare . . . and the net earnings of which are devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, or recreational purposes."
Both of these "501(c)" corporations are nonprofit which is what the AFG regulations provide. The only difference is that one is organized for promotion of social welfare and the other for the testing of public safety. It should be noted that it does not matter that an organization charges individuals for services rendered as long as the organization is only its expenses and isn't profiting.
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Can an independent rescue squad or emergency medical services unit apply?
Yes. Ambulance services, rescue squads, are eligible to apply for assistance in FY 2006. However, auxiliaries, dive teams, urban search and rescue teams, fire service organizations or associations, and State/local agencies such as a forest service, fire marshal, hospitals, and training offices are not eligible for this program.
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If my department received one or more AFG grants in a prior year, are we still eligible to apply?
Departments that received grants in previous program years are still eligible to apply and receive and award this year. Departments that have been awarded vehicle grants in previous years, however, are not eligible for a vehicle award in 2006. Applicants should indicate if their request builds upon the program awarded in a prior year if applicable. The adequacy of a grantee's performance on a prior year's grant may be considered during the evaluation phase when determining any award.
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