Defibrillator Grants & Funding: How to Get Support for Your Community AED

Access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death during a cardiac emergency. However, the cost can be a barrier to placing defibrillators in the places they’re needed most. The good news is, there are several ways to get funding for a defibrillator from local authorities to national charities and government-based schemes.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to find and apply for defibrillator grants, who is eligible and how you can apply.

What is a defibrillator?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is critical in a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) emergency. Research shows that the ambulance service performed resuscitation in nearly 35,000 patients in England after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with only 8% surviving to 30 days after a cardiac arrest.

An AED is a portable device designed to deliver an electric shock to the heart, effectively restoring its normal rhythm during a cardiac emergency. The staggering reality is that when used promptly, AEDs can dramatically increase the chances of survival from a mere 10% to as high as 90%.

Why apply for defibrillator grants?

Installing a defibrillator in a school, sports club, village, workplace or other public space ensures immediate access during a sudden cardiac arrest, increasing survival rates by up to 70% when used with CPR.

Despite their effectiveness and the need for accessibility, AEDs aren’t widely available. Contrary to popular belief, these devices are not provided for free by the NHS or government.

For many, the cost can be a barrier for many individuals and organisations who are considering installing a defibrillator. Yet it’s crucial to recognise that having one readily available can mean the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency.

This is where community defibrillator funding is crucial. Whether you’re fundraising locally or applying to larger grant schemes, understanding your options helps secure the support needed to protect your community.

Sources of funding for a defibrillator

Recognising this barrier to access, we have compiled a comprehensive list of resources for grants and funding opportunities to help you acquire a defibrillator. By tapping into these avenue of financial support, individuals, businesses, schools and community organisations can overcome the financial hurdle and make this life-saving device accessible to all.

Whether through government grants, corporate sponsorship programs, community fundraising efforts, or nonprofit initiatives, there are numerous avenues to explore when seeking financial assistance for purchasing a defibrillator. We aim to empower individuals and communities with the resources they need to take proactive steps towards safeguarding lives and promoting heart health.

Local Rotary Club or Lions Club:

To register for funding from the Rotary Club, you must first find your local Rotary Club or Lions Club and contact them directly. They will guide you through the application process and provide insights into the available funding opportunities.

National Lottery Community Fund:

The National Lottery Community Fund offers grants of up to £20,000, to apply for funding, simply create an account and begin the online application.

The Community Fund is only available to organisations whose leaders live in the UK and aren’t related.

Airport Community Trust Fund:

Most airports offer community funding within a certain radius, so it may be worth searching online for your nearest airport and searching within the webpage for “community”, “grants”, or “funding”. Here are a few examples of airports that offer community grants and funding:

East Midlands

Manchester

Heathrow

Birmingham

Local Councillors:

Your local councillor can be a valuable resource for funding initiatives such as installing a defibrillator in your community. With the ability to grant funds up to £6,000, reaching out to your councillor can provide vital financial support to make this life-saving device accessible to all.

Local Authority and Parish Council Grants

Many town, borough and parish councils offer small grants or community funds that can be used for AED installations. Councils are often willing to support defibrillators where public access or high footfall is involved (e.g. parks, halls, train station).

Tip: Request a quote and a breakdown of ongoing costs before approaching your council.

Severn Trent Community Fund:

If you are a Severn Trent customer, you may be eligible for £2,000 – £10,000 funding through the Severn Trent Community Fund. If you can secure match funding it is likely to help your application be successful, however, it is not mandatory, so if you are unable to secure match funding, you can still apply for the grant.

Supermarket Community Funds:

Some of the Supermarket chains that offer Local Community Funds include:

• Asda – Empowering Local Communities Grant
• Co-op – Local Community Fund
• Morrisons – Foundation Grant Funding
• Tesco – Stronger Starts

How can Defib4Life support you?

At Defib4Life, we work closely with charities, councils and local communities to make buying a defibrillator more affordable and accessible. We offer:

•         Formal quotes for funding bids
•         Expert product advice to match your needs
•         Support with choosing the right defibrillator or cabinet
•         Optional CPR training

If you’re applying for defibrillator grants, need help with a funding application or want to get a quote to share with your local council or local charity, we’re happy to assist.

Defibrillators we stock are in our shop, also you can email or call us sales@defib4life.co.uk – 01629710128 and find us on social media, on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.