OEMS Funding Opportunities

The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) administers various funding opportunities designated by state and federal governments to support and strengthen Minnesota’s EMS system. Depending on the program, funding may be awarded through competitive grants, formula-based allocations, or other legislatively directed initiatives. Opportunities may support service readiness, workforce development, training, education partnerships, and community care.

This page includes only funding opportunities administered by OEMS and does not list grants or funding programs managed by other organizations.

Current Opportunities

Rural Uncompensated Care Pool

Status: Application period open

The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is accepting applications for the Rural Uncompensated Care Pool, a funding program created by the Minnesota Legislature to support rural ambulance services.

This program provides payments to eligible licensed ambulance services for qualifying EMS responses that did not result in transport to a hospital emergency department and for which no payment was received. Eligible services may claim up to 200 qualifying responses that occurred between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

• Application deadline: March 31, 2026

Apply for the Rural Uncompensated Care Pool

View the Rural Uncompensated Care Pool memo (PDF)

Ambulance Operating Deficit Grant Program

The Ambulance Operating Deficit Grant Program is a legislatively established funding initiative administered by the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) to support licensed ambulance services experiencing financial shortfalls. This program provides funding to help offset operating deficits and support the sustainability of EMS services across Minnesota, particularly in communities where call volume, payer mix, and service demands create ongoing financial challenges.

OEMS has published a 2025 Progress Report (PDF) summarizing program implementation, funding distribution, and early impacts across participating services.

Grantee resources:

• OEMS hosted a webinar for Ambulance Operating Deficit Grant recipients on March 25, 2026. To watch the recorded session, view the webinar here.
• The accompanying handout outlining grant policies is available here (PDF): Ambulance Operating Deficit Grant Policies & Procedures.
• To submit invoices, use the Operating Deficit Grant Invoice form.
• If you have questions, contact finance.oems@state.mn.us.

Previous Opportunities

Ambulance Service Training & Staffing (AST&S) – “Earn While You Learn”

Status: Application period closed

Information about the next AST&S funding cycle will be posted when available.

General Information

• Each opportunity includes specific eligibility, allowable expenses, and deadlines. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
• Some opportunities may require pre-award risk assessment and financial or operational capacity review.
• Questions are accepted via email (see each opportunity for dates and instructions). Written responses are posted on the OEMS site.

Upcoming Opportunities

Future funding opportunities to support EMS workforce development and service readiness will be posted here when available. Please check back for updates.

• General funding questions can be directed to the OEMS Grants Team.