Best Search and Rescue Grants in Indiana

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in Indiana can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support military members and community first responders. This program offers intermodal transportation services and occasional railroad equipment or materials, helping first responder and search and rescue organizations reduce logistics costs and access needed rail-related resources.

Indiana first responder and public safety organizations can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 to equip first responders and strengthen community safety, education, environment, and resilience. Focused on safety, TC Energy Foundation invites nonprofits, municipalities, Indigenous groups, associations, and foundations within 30 kilometers of its operations or projects to propose measurable, community-impact projects.

Parkview co-workers in Indiana pursuing Basic EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic certifications can receive scholarship support for their training needs. The Cathy E. Harris Good Samaritan Scholarship from Parkview Health Foundation honors a longtime leader of Parkview’s Flight and Trauma program and may benefit first responders involved in search and rescue work.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Indiana serving veterans, active military, and first responders 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. Search and rescue agencies may be eligible if their programs fit these focus areas.

Indiana 501(c)(3) public charities and local government entities providing community or first responder safety services can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects, programs, or operating support. Eligible applicants must be located within Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network and align with its safety-focused priorities.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts running first responder or technology and engineering education programs can apply for Motorola Solutions Foundation grants of up to US $50,000. Funding supports first responder training, wellness, disaster preparedness, and STEM initiatives, with emphasis on underrepresented groups and data-driven, financially strong nonprofits across North America.

First responder agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, schools, and local governments in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting can receive up to US $5,000 to repair storm damage and improve emergency preparedness. Grants from Knight Foundation help Indiana first responders and related organizations recover from the August 2025 storms and strengthen future disaster readiness.

High school seniors, college, or non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs can receive $2,000 in scholarship support, including those from Indiana. CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship helps future police, fire, and EMT professionals at eligible U.S. colleges and universities who meet GPA and leadership criteria.

Graduating high school seniors in northwest Missouri pursuing degrees in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, environmental safety, industrial fire prevention, risk management, occupational medicine, or related first responder fields can apply for the St Joseph School District Foundation Midland Empire Safety Association Scholarship, offering more than US $500. This one-time award is selected by the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s Finance/Grant Committee and disbursed in August.

Indiana students who are children of full-time first responders, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel can access funding through the NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship. This one-time award of up to US $10,000 supports tuition, fees, books, room and board, or research materials at accredited nonprofit colleges and universities across the U.S.

Elk County and surrounding area high school seniors and non-traditional students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related first responder fields may be eligible for this scholarship, which supports further education and training. Indiana first responder organizations with members from this region or partnerships here could benefit from the Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship administered by Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies.

Indiana students pursuing higher education and careers as first responders or in the military may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports college-bound seniors. Administered by Central Alabama Community Foundation, it honors service and sacrifice and can benefit those connected to first responder and public safety pathways.

Indiana first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which offers US $500. This North Georgia Community Foundation award supports academic scholarship programs for police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers, and may benefit those involved in search and rescue roles.

First responders in Indiana and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for a US $500 Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship, supporting higher education costs. North Georgia Community Foundation defines first responders as police, fire, EMS workers, and communication officers, with a minimum 2.5 GPA required.

Indiana first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education can access scholarship support through the North Georgia Community Foundation’s Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship. One award of US $500 in 2026 may benefit those involved in search and rescue or related first responder roles who meet the 2.5 GPA requirement.

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.”

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.  

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

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 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 OCCF Community Investment Grant offers flexible funding to enhance the quality of life for Owen County residents. This program aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities, focusing on access to information, recreation, childcare, and community wellness. Note that the current grant cycle is canceled, with no funds remaining for 2025. The next application period will open on January 1, 2026, allowing eligible organizations to apply for support in addressing local community needs.

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.