The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is an annual grants program funded by the Victorian Government, which provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.

Victorian Volunteer Emergency Service groups can apply for a grant up to a maximum of $150,000 excluding GST. The VESEP will provide $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer group.

What can be funded?

Equipment purchased with the grant funding can include, but is not limited to vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and can also include minor facility improvements.

Projects must begin on or after the start of the funding allocation and should be fully expended by the end of the grant’s financial year.

The types of equipment funded under the program include:

Operational Equipment such as:

• Chainsaws
• Quick Fill Pumps
• Generators
• Inflatable Rescue Boats and engines
• Rescue and Safety Equipment

Vehicles and Appliances such as:

• Cars/4WD’s
• Lighting and Storm Trailers
• Light/Medium Tankers
• Big Fill Trucks
• Watercraft
• Rescue Trucks

Minor Facility Improvements such as:

• Refurbishments
• Amenities – such as: kitchens/change rooms
• Temporary and transition facilities

How to apply

1. Agencies will distribute specific guidelines and details on application forms.
2. You need to complete the required application form, attaching relevant financial plans, statements and responses to agency specific key selection criteria.
3. Submit your application by the due date.

The following are links to the application portals for each agency. 

Access to Country Fire Authority and Victoria State Emergency Service application details will require members to log in first.

• Country Fire Authority applications
  
• Victoria State Emergency Service applications
  

SmartyGrants application forms:

• Life Saving Victoria applications
  
• Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue unit applications
  
• Other eligible volunteer organisations applications
  

• Email: emvgrants@emv.vic.gov.au