Best Search and Rescue Grants in Maryland

First responder and public safety organizations in Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, environment, and resilient community initiatives that equip emergency personnel and strengthen local communities. Focused on community safety and resilience, TC Energy Foundation invites nonprofits, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and similar entities near its operations to apply for US $2,500 - US $25,000 in project support.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Maryland 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, which may help search and rescue agencies reduce logistics and equipment costs.

First responder and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland and other eligible Land O’Lakes dairy regions can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen rural community vitality, including fire and ambulance departments. With a mission to support hunger relief, education, and community vitality, Land O'Lakes Foundation prioritizes rural programs serving its member-owner communities.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities such as fire and law enforcement departments, and educational institutions in Maryland can apply for CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for programs serving veterans, active military, and first responders. Funding supports safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and basic needs, and may benefit search and rescue agencies.

Maryland 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 Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects or programs. Organizations in Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network, including Maryland, may use funds for programmatic or specific project support that promotes safe behavior.

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.

First responder agencies and 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland partnering with first responders can seek funding to support community engagement, youth programs, and responder and family well-being. First Responders Childrens Foundation offers up to US $5,000 for mental and behavioral health, youth education, family support, emergency support, and safety-focused community initiatives.

High school seniors nationwide whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time active first responder can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 for college through the ESA Youth Scholarship Program. Focused on supporting first responder families, Electronic Security Association invites eligible Maryland students to apply via their participating state or directly to ESA.

High school seniors and college or non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies may receive US $2,000 to attend eligible U.S. colleges or universities. CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship supports future police, fire, and EMT professionals, which may benefit Maryland students interested in search and rescue careers.

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 of more than US $500 from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri. Awards are one-time, for U.S. citizens with at least a 2.5 GPA, and paid at the start of fall semester.

Maryland first responder families seeking higher education support can access funding through the NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship, which offers up to US $10,000 for eligible students. Children of full-time fire fighters, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel may receive a one-time award paid directly to accredited colleges or universities.

High school seniors and non-traditional students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related first responder fields in Elk County and surrounding areas can access funding through the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies. The Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship supports those active in school and community who demonstrate financial need, which may benefit aspiring search and rescue personnel.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education and careers in the military or as first responders, or who are children of military personnel or first responders, may benefit from this scholarship, including those in Maryland. The 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship from Central Alabama Community Foundation supports college attendance at accredited two- or four-year institutions.

Maryland first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which offers US $500. Administered by North Georgia Community Foundation, this academic scholarship supports police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers with at least a 2.5 GPA.

First responders, or their spouses and children, pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for a US $500 Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship, which supports higher education for police, fire, EMS, and communication officers. Although offered by North Georgia Community Foundation, Maryland first responders fitting these criteria may benefit.

Maryland first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship, a US $500 award. North Georgia Community Foundation offers this support to police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers who meet the 2.5 minimum GPA and North Georgia service criteria.

Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help Maryland first responders and their spouses or children pursue post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must be first responders (police, fire, EMS, or communications officers) or their immediate family members with at least a 2.5 GPA. The Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship provides US $750 toward higher education costs.

Maryland first responder families seeking higher education funding may be eligible for this North Georgia Community Foundation scholarship supporting police, fire, and EMS personnel. Current first responders in Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia, plus their children and grandchildren, can receive US $1,200 to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school.

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.  

The Middendorf Foundation Social Services Grants focus on providing essential support to individuals and communities, aiming to enhance social and economic mobility, especially for historically marginalized groups. The grants are intended for one-time costs related to capital campaigns for durable assets. Eligible nonprofits must operate for over three years, have a valid 501(c)(3) status, and primarily serve Baltimore City or County. All funds must be utilized within a year of award issuance.

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 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.