Best Grants for First Responders in Montana

Montana first responder and public safety programs can seek support for disaster preparedness, safety projects, and community resiliency efforts via Marathon Petroleum Foundation. The fund supports U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities, with preference for communities near Marathon Petroleum operations across its marketing regions, including Montana, and emphasizes measurable outcomes in workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities.

First responder and community safety organizations in Montana can seek funding for equipment, training, and other safety initiatives through the TC Energy Foundation’s Build Strong program; awards range from US $2,500 - US $25,000. Focused on safety, education, environment, and resilient communities, it supports eligible nonprofits and local entities near TC Energy operations.

Eligible Montana emergency medical service providers can apply for competitive grants to acquire or lease ambulances and emergency response vehicles, and to purchase training, communication, and medical care equipment. Administered by the Montana Department of Transportation, this program supports certified EMS agencies with mostly volunteer EMTs that can provide a ten percent match.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

High school seniors in Montana whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time active first responder can apply for scholarship awards of US $2,500 - US $15,000 to pursue their education. Focused on supporting first responder families, the Electronic Security Association offers over 20 awards nationwide, with students applying through participating states or directly to ESA.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs may be eligible for this scholarship, including those in Montana. CommunityGiving provides awards of US $2,000 to students with a 2.5+ GPA attending a 2- or 4-year U.S. college or university who demonstrate leadership potential in public safety fields.

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

Montana 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 eligible full-time, retired, disabled, or deceased first responders or military personnel with strong academics may receive a one-time award paid directly to an accredited college or university.

Montana first responder students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related fields can access funding through the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies’ Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship. Elk County and surrounding area high school seniors and non-traditional students who are active in school or community and demonstrate financial need may be eligible.

High school seniors pursuing higher education and careers in the military or as first responders, or who are children of military or first responders, may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship. Students from Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, or Montgomery Counties can receive support from Central Alabama Community Foundation for accredited two- or four-year colleges.

Montana first responder families seeking post-secondary education support can access funding through the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which offers US $500 awards. Administered by the North Georgia Community Foundation, this scholarship is for first responders, or their children or spouses, who meet a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

First responders, their spouses, or children pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support through the Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship, including applicants from Montana. Offered by North Georgia Community Foundation, this award provides US $500 to eligible students with at least a 2.5 GPA who have a first responder connection.

Montana first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship, which offers US $500 toward higher education costs. This North Georgia Community Foundation award is open to police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

First responders, or their spouses and children, pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support through the Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship; awards US $750 for tuition or related higher education costs. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help Montana first responders who meet the GPA and relationship criteria and are studying at the college level.

Montana first responders and their families seeking higher education funding may be eligible for this scholarship supporting police, fire, and EMS personnel. Offered by North Georgia Community Foundation, it awards US $1,200 to current first responders, their children, or grandchildren planning to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing first responder, fire, emergency management, EMS, or related studies can receive approximately US $1,000 in higher education support, including students from Montana. Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia provides this non-renewable scholarship for Botetourt County residents who demonstrate academic merit and a strong record of community service or volunteerism.

Volunteer fire departments, volunteer EMS agencies, and small paid law enforcement agencies in Montana can seek funding for education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health needs. Grants from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties’ Hero Fund America Fund provide up to US $1,500 for eligible U.S. first responder departments with 25 or fewer employees.

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.

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.

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.  

The State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program, administered by the US Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Coast Guard, aims to enhance safety and enjoyment on America's waterways. This federal program provides grants to designated state agencies to reduce boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Although not open to the public, it plays a critical role in ensuring safe recreational boating experiences by implementing effective safety measures, thereby promoting public welfare and environmental protection.

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 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.

The Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program, supported by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, develops future public health scientists through experiential learning in laboratory science. Participants receive training aligned with core competencies and work on impactful projects in various focus areas such as bioinformatics, food safety, and infectious disease. With flexible terms and potential for extension, this fellowship ensures a robust foundation for a career in public health laboratory science.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The First Responders Children's Foundation Scholarship Fund offers college scholarships to children of first responders, emphasizing financial need and academic merit. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, provide a current transcript, and demonstrate community involvement. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years based on eligibility criteria. Preference is given to students whose parents have experienced line-of-duty disabilities or deaths. This program supports the educational aspirations of those who have sacrificed for their communities.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.