John T. Sloper Community Fund Grants

The John T. Sloper Community Fund Grants are administered by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. This fund was established using the proceeds from the sale of the Sloper-Willen Community Ambulance Service, an organization originally founded by John T. Sloper in 1958 with the guiding motto “That lives may be saved.” The purpose of the fund is to honor the legacy of the Sloper-Willen Community Ambulance Service by encouraging and supporting emergency medical services in the areas that it once served. The primary goal of the grant is to enhance the delivery of emergency medical services in Southern Dutchess and Putnam counties in New York. Grants are awarded for projects that provide training, purchase emergency medical equipment, and support organizations in becoming First Responders in areas where emergency services are lacking. A limited number of grants may also be made available in other parts of Dutchess County through additional support from the Cardiovascular Fund, but only if they meet the same objectives of training and equipment provision. Eligible expenses under this grant include the purchase of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), training materials and support for their use, and equipment that helps emergency responders provide services more effectively. Examples include outfitting organizations with tools and technology necessary to respond to emergencies or assisting in the establishment of new First Responder groups in underserved communities. However, certain types of requests are specifically excluded from consideration, such as funding for basic EMT training, advanced paramedic training for currently employed professionals, recertification programs, or projects already fully supported by state or external funding. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations operating within Southern Dutchess and Putnam counties, especially those that were historically served by the Sloper-Willen Community Ambulance Service. Organizations in Dutchess County may also apply if they meet eligibility through the Cardiovascular Fund. Eligible entities include police departments, fire companies, and volunteer ambulance services. Preference is given to applicants who did not receive funding in the previous year. The fund has approximately $20,000 available annually, and the size of individual grants is anticipated to be up to $3,500. This grant opportunity operates on a single annual cycle, with applications due by October 15 each year. Awards are announced in December. Applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley grants portal. For more information or for assistance with the application process, applicants may contact Cristin McPeake, Vice President of Programs, at (845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.org. The foundation’s main office is located at 25 Van Wagner Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.