Best Grants for First Responders in Delaware

First responder and public safety organizations in Delaware can seek funding for safety, education, environment, and resilient community projects that equip responders and strengthen local well-being. Focused on community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites eligible nonprofits, municipalities, Indigenous groups, associations, and foundations near its operations to apply for US $2,500 - US $25,000 grants.

First responder and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 for rural fire, ambulance, and related community vitality projects. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Land O'Lakes Foundation provides funding for initiatives like fire/ambulance departments, city improvements, and other local programs in its East Region dairy communities.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in Delaware that provide safety services or promote safe behavior can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects, programs, or general operating support. First responder agencies and related public safety programs across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network may be eligible.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in Delaware serving first responders, veterans, or active military can apply for CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, health, community bridging, workforce development, and basic needs. First responder organizations may benefit through programs that honor and support these national and local heroes.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in Delaware and other CSX-served communities can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support military members and community first responders. Awards provide intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment or materials, helping organizations reduce freight costs and access rail-related items when available.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware and other Wawa market areas can seek grants over $2,500 to support health, hunger relief, and everyday hero initiatives, including first responders. Grants from Wawa Foundation help organizations serving firefighters, police, EMS, and other local heroes, as well as K–12 youth and pediatric health, expand critical community programs.

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.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs may be eligible for scholarships supporting training and education, including those from Delaware. CommunityGiving provides US $2,000 awards for students from specific Minnesota counties attending approved schools, helping future police, fire, and EMT professionals build their careers.

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 the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s St Joseph School District Foundation Midland Empire Safety Association Scholarship, awarding more than US $500. Students interested in first responder or emergency services careers may benefit from this support.

Delaware students who are children of full-time first responders or military personnel can access funding through The NRA Foundation’s Frontline Heroes Scholarship, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible high school seniors and college undergraduates may use funds for tuition, fees, books, room and board, or certain research materials at accredited nonprofit colleges or universities.

Delaware first responder students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related fields may be eligible for the Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship, which supports higher education costs. Elk County Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies prioritizes high school seniors and non-traditional students who are active in their communities and demonstrate financial need.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing military or first responder careers can receive scholarship support for accredited two- or four-year colleges through the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship. Delaware students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are future first responders or children of military personnel or first responders may be eligible for this Central Alabama Community Foundation funding.

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

North Georgia first responders, or their spouses and children, pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support through the Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship. Offered by North Georgia Community Foundation, this US $500 award may benefit Delaware first responder families with ties to North Georgia who meet the 2.5 minimum GPA requirement.

Delaware 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. North Georgia Community Foundation supports one student with at least a 2.5 GPA; Delaware applicants must meet the North Georgia first responder connection.

First responders, or their children or spouses, pursuing post-secondary education can receive US $750 through the Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship, open nationally including Delaware. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation support higher education costs for police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

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.

Delaware first responders and their children or grandchildren seeking higher education may be eligible for this college scholarship, which supports police, fire, and EMS families. Offered through the North Georgia Community Foundation, one recipient receives US $1,200 to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school full- or part-time.

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.  

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.

Delaware 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts running first responder or STEM education programs can apply for Motorola Solutions Foundation grants of up to US $50,000. Funding supports first responder training, wellness, scholarships, disaster preparedness, and technology/engineering education, with emphasis on underrepresented groups and data-driven, financially strong nonprofits; awards are part of a broader North American program.

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.