John T. Sloper Community Grant Program

The John T. Sloper Community Fund, managed by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, is dedicated to enhancing emergency medical services and improving accessibility to emergency health services in Southern Dutchess and Putnam counties, areas previously served by the Sloper-Willen Community Ambulance Service. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support critical community needs, specifically in life-saving emergency health provisions. The program aims to save lives by equipping local organizations with essential resources and training. The grant targets tax-exempt organizations, police departments, fire companies, and volunteer ambulance services located in or serving Southern Dutchess County and Putnam County, New York. Additionally, for the Cardiovascular Fund, tax-exempt organizations in Dutchess County, New York are eligible. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the emergency medical response infrastructure within these communities, ensuring residents have timely access to critical care and equipment. The fund's priorities include providing Automatic External Defibrillator Devices (AEDs), including necessary materials and training, and supporting organizations in becoming First Responders in areas currently lacking such services. It also focuses on supplying equipment to enhance the overall delivery of emergency medical services. Approximately $20,000 is available annually, with up to $3,500 per grant anticipated for AEDs, training, and support materials, indicating a strategic focus on tangible and immediate improvements in emergency response capabilities. The expected outcomes are a significant increase in the availability of AEDs, a rise in trained First Responders, and an overall improvement in the quality and speed of emergency medical services. Measurable results will include the number of AEDs distributed, the number of individuals trained, and the establishment of new First Responder units. The foundation's theory of change posits that by directly investing in equipment and training for local emergency service providers, it can directly contribute to a more robust and responsive healthcare safety net, ultimately leading to more lives saved and healthier communities. Preference is given to organizations that have not received funding in the prior year, ensuring a broader reach and equitable distribution of resources.