Rural EMS Grants Now Available Through Rural Health Transformation Program
Department of Public Health and Human Services director Charlie Brereton has announced the availability of $4 million in first-year grants to help strengthen emergency medical services (EMS) across rural Montana as part of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
“Modern, well-equipped ambulances are the backbone of e_ective emergency care in Montana,” Brereton said. “This grant is a critical investment in our local EMS agencies, so even our most rural and frontier communities can count on fast, high-quality, life-saving care when every second counts.”
Grants are open to EMS agencies located in or serving rural areas of Montana to upgrade ambulances and equipment. Eligibility is based on need, which will be assessed based on the age, model, or operational status of current equipment, gaps in patient care, as well as the level and type of service provided by the requesting agency.
Agencies can verify whether they are classified as a rural health provider by utilizing the Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer.
The online portal to submit funding proposals will be available through Aug. 15. Apply via Submittable. It is titled “DPHHS EMS Equipment Grant Application.”
The Vendor Information page at ruralhealth.mt.gov includes resources about using Submittable. DPHHS plans to issue additional grant opportunities over the coming months and will post information there as they become available.
Gov. Greg Gianforte and Brereton announced in December 2025 a historic $233 million investment from the Trump administration to stabilize and modernize rural health care delivery throughout Montana. Awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, these funds will support Montana’s rural health care providers in delivering sustainable, high-quality care and ensuring appropriate access for those in need of services.
This RFP reflects the firstyear award of a five-year federal grant program, with Montana currently set to receive up to $1.2 billion over the life of the program.
The state received the fourth-highest funding award among all 50 states, signaling the quality and strength of Montana’s application.
The Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $233,509,358.76 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS.
