Best Grants for First Responders in Louisiana

First responder organizations and other eligible nonprofits in Louisiana can seek funding for safety, education, environment, and resilient community initiatives that equip responders and strengthen communities. Focused on community safety, TC Energy Foundation invites groups near its operations to request US $2,500 - US $25,000 for projects with clear, measurable local impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting first responder training and support programs in Louisiana and other eligible areas can seek more than US $10,000 to sponsor special events or receive in-kind support. James Avery Charitable Foundation funds programs that provide direct community services within 50 miles of a company-owned retail location or major corporate facility.

First responder and public safety nonprofits in Louisiana located within 50 miles of a James Avery retail or corporate location can apply for James Avery Charitable Foundation’s corporate grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000 for training and support programs. 501(c)(3) organizations serving local communities and meeting program quality standards may be eligible.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and local government entities in Louisiana providing community or public safety services, including first responder programs, can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects, program support, or general operating support. First responder agencies and related safety initiatives may benefit.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in Louisiana serving first responders and military communities can apply for CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and basic needs. First responder agencies and partner organizations may benefit from this support.

Louisiana first responder and public safety nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants to support safety, disaster preparedness, and emergency response programs. 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities along the Union Pacific rail network may receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 for equipment, training, infrastructure, and related community safety initiatives.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Louisiana serving first responders or military communities can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations. Support includes intermodal transportation services across the CSX rail network and occasional donations of railroad equipment or materials, helping reduce logistics costs for community-focused programs.

Louisiana first responder agencies and 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with them can seek funding for community engagement, youth programs, and support services for first responders and their families. First Responders Childrens Foundation supports mental and behavioral health, youth education, family support, emergency support, and community safety initiatives with awards up to US $5,000.

High school seniors nationwide whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time active first responder can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 in scholarship support for college. Focused on academic scholarships, the Electronic Security Association invites eligible students in Louisiana and other states to apply through their state or directly to ESA.

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF)

Brad Keselowski is a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, where he drives the #6 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Off-track, Brad is the sole owner and founder of Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing as well as Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation's president and founder. 

In 2009, Brad visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where he became inspired to give back to the men and women that answered the call to serve our country and were injured in the line of duty. Consequently, he founded BKCFF in 2010 with the mission to honor and assist those who serve. Since its founding, BKCFF has raised upright of $3.8 million to serve this mission.  

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation Grant Program

BKCFF was established to support those who are suffering financial, medical, or other hardship resulting from service to the United States or communities within. Funding decisions are made through an equitable and comprehensive application process, with financial support directed to 501(c)(3) public charities that provide services to our target constituents.

The purpose of the grant program is to empower and give hope to our nation’s heroes: military professionals, veterans, first responders, and others who provide courageous service and sacrifice. BKCFF requires all organizations seeking a grant to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on the Foundation’s website or can be requested by contacting the Foundation directly.  

High school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs can receive scholarship support for U.S.-based 2- or 4-year colleges. CommunityGiving provides Louisiana first responder–focused students, including those studying to become police, firefighters, or EMTs, with US $2,000 awards when they meet GPA and county-of-origin requirements in Minnesota.

Graduating high school seniors in northwest Missouri pursuing degrees in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, environmental safety, industrial fire prevention, risk management, or occupational medicine can apply for scholarships from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, with awards of more than US $500. Students interested in first responder or emergency safety careers may benefit from this support.

Louisiana first responder families seeking higher education support can access funding through the NRA Foundation’s Frontline Heroes Scholarship, offering up to US $10,000. Children of full-time fire fighters, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel with strong academic and service records may receive one-time awards paid directly to accredited colleges or universities.

Louisiana first responder students can access funding through Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies to pursue EMT, paramedic, or related education. Elk County, Pennsylvania high school seniors and non-traditional students who are active in their communities and demonstrate financial need may be especially suited for the Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship.

Louisiana students connected to first responder or military service who seek help paying for college may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports higher education and career preparation. Administered by Central Alabama Community Foundation, it aids graduating seniors pursuing two- or four-year degrees and careers in military or first responder fields.

Louisiana first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which offers US $500. North Georgia Community Foundation provides this academic scholarship opportunity for police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

The Meritorious Award, presented by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, honors firefighters or fire departments that exceed normal duties to save lives. Nominations must come from Association members, approved by a fire chief or designee. Candidates are recognized for their vigilance and professionalism, while any safety standards violations disqualify nominations. This award reflects our commitment to recognizing extraordinary bravery within the fire service community.

James B. Murphy Firefighter of the Year

The Firefighter of the Year award is an annual award bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies the characteristics of a firefighter with an outstanding record of fire service achievements. Firefighter characteristics are not restricted to heroic action but encompass all aspects of a productive, dedicated and professional service at all levels. 

If heroic action is one of the reasons that the individual is being nominated, the Subcommittee on Awards for the Executive Committee must find no hard evidence that the individual was in violation of generally accepted safety standards at the time of the action. Such standards include, but are not limited to, abstinence from the influence of alcohol or drugs, the use of applicable protective equipment such as protective clothing and breathing apparatus, and adherence to accepted operating procedures, where these criteria were applicable at the time of the action.

First responders, their spouses, or children pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support through this program, including those in Louisiana. The North Georgia Community Foundation’s Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship awards US $500 to one eligible applicant with a minimum 2.5 GPA, helping further higher education for the first responder community.

Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire, EMS workers and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, a first responder is defined as Police (including local and state), Fire, EMS workers, and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $750 will be offered.

Coleman, Chambers & Rogers First Responders College Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2017 by Coleman, Chambers & Rogers LLP. This scholarship was created out of awareness and gratitude for first responders in North Georgia. This scholarship is available to current and active members of the First Responders, their children and grandchildren for Gainesville, all municipalities and Hall County, Georgia.

For this scholarship, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire or EMS workers. The 2026 scholarship will award one recipient in the amount of $1,200.

Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher educational scholarship assistance to deserving students.

Amount

• $1,000+
• non-renewable

Hero Fund America Fund Seeks Applications for its First Responders Grant Round

Hero Fund America (HFA) Fund, a field-of-interest fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, is seeking applications for its First Responders Grant Round for programs, projects, and other needs that will support education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health of fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies.

Hero Fund America Fund was founded in partnership with Hero Fund America by Garth Roberts of Sharon Springs, NY. Inspired by the selfless and heroic efforts of first responders during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Roberts initiated the Provincetown First Responders Appreciation Month, honoring 45 Boston EMS paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, and their families. The success of that project inspired the 2016 creation of Hero Fund America.

Since 2016, the fund has awarded more than 100 grants totaling over $123,000 to meet the needs of first responders across the nation.

“Grants awarded through the Hero Fund America Fund have helped departments improve their abilities to better serve and protect the civilian population,” said Roberts. “Hero Fund America remains firmly committed to raising both funding and awareness in support of the First Responder community.”

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grants aim to enhance the life-saving capabilities of public safety organizations. Established in 2005, the foundation supports funding for life-saving equipment, prevention education, scholarships, and disaster relief initiatives. Eligible applicants include public safety entities located within 60 miles of a Firehouse Subs restaurant. This program emphasizes early application submission, as only a limited number of applications are accepted quarterly.