Best Search and Rescue Grants in Arizona

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near James Avery locations in Arizona can seek more than US $10,000 to support first responder training and support programs, arts, education, or community wellness initiatives. Grants from James Avery Charitable Foundation provide limited cash sponsorships and in-kind support for events that deliver direct services and enhance local quality of life.

Arizona first responder and public safety organizations can access funding through Marathon Petroleum for programs that support workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities. Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Marathon Petroleum Foundation provide grants to U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities, with preference for communities where they have significant operations, which may include search and rescue and disaster preparedness efforts.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering first responder training and support, veteran services, arts, education, or wellness programs near a James Avery location can apply for James Avery Charitable Foundation’s corporate grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000. Funding supports direct-service programs that improve community quality of life and demonstrate strong planning and sustainability.

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

Federal, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in Arizona can receive funding for off-highway vehicle (OHV) law enforcement equipment, PPE, electronics, salaries, and overtime. Grants from Arizona State Parks & Trails offer up to US $100,000 per project and may benefit agencies with search and rescue responsibilities tied to OHV enforcement.

Arizona first responder and 501(c)(3) public safety organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Eligible programs must primarily serve Arizona communities on the Union Pacific service list and demonstrate clear need, strong capacity, DEI commitment, and measurable community impact, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000.

The NAEMT Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for individuals pursuing careers in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Scholarships are available for those seeking certification as Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). Recipients must begin their educational programs in the awarded term and maintain good academic standing. Funds are paid directly to educational institutions. The foundation aims to strengthen the EMS profession through education and research funding.

First responder agencies and 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with them in Arizona can seek funding for programs that build relationships between first responders and children. First Responders Childrens Foundation supports mental and behavioral health, youth education activities, family support, emergency support, and community engagement initiatives, offering up to US $5,000 per grant.

High school seniors nationwide whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time active first responder can receive academic scholarships ranging from US $2,500 - US $15,000 through the ESA Youth Scholarship Program. Focused on supporting first responder families, Electronic Security Association invites eligible Arizona students to apply via their participating state 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 connected to Arizona search and rescue interests. CommunityGiving provides US $2,000 to students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota attending approved U.S. colleges or listed high schools who demonstrate leadership.

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 of more than US $500. Awards from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri are one-time, selected by its Finance/Grant Committee, and paid at the start of the fall semester.

Arizona children of full-time first responders, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel can access funding through The NRA Foundation’s Frontline Heroes Scholarship for higher education costs. Eligible high school seniors and college undergraduates with a 3.0 GPA or higher may receive up to US $10,000, paid directly to an accredited nonprofit college or university.

Arizona first responder students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related fields can access funding through Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies for postsecondary education. Elk County, Pennsylvania, and surrounding area high school seniors and non-traditional students who are active in school or community and demonstrate financial need may be eligible for this scholarship opportunity.

Arizona students pursuing military or first responder careers may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports graduating high school seniors attending two- or four-year colleges. Administered by Central Alabama Community Foundation, it assists students from specified Alabama counties, including those who are children of military personnel or first responders.

Arizona first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for this academic scholarship; one award of US $500 is available in 2026. North Georgia Community Foundation’s Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship supports police, fire, EMS, and communications officers, which may benefit those involved in search and rescue work.

First responders in North Georgia, or their spouses and children, pursuing post-secondary education can receive a US $500 Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship for tuition or related costs. North Georgia Community Foundation supports higher education for police, fire, EMS, and communication officers, which may benefit Arizona search and rescue personnel with ties to this region.

Arizona first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through the Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship, which offers US $500. This North Georgia Community Foundation opportunity supports higher education for police, fire, EMS, and communications officers’ families and may benefit those involved in search and rescue work.

First responders, or their children or spouses, pursuing post-secondary education can receive US $750 through the Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship, open to applicants in North Georgia and beyond. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help first responder families, including those in Arizona search and rescue roles, further their higher education goals.

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.

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.

Credit Union West supports local communities through its sponsorship and support program. The CU West CARES Charitable Foundation provides grants, contributions, and volunteers to enhance the quality of life for individuals in Arizona. They focus on four key areas: community heroes, education for all ages, human health and wellness, and assistance for distressed and underserved communities. Organizations operating within specific Arizona counties are eligible for funding, while personal events and political initiatives are not.

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.