Best Grants for First Responders in Hawaii

Hawaii students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees, especially in fire science or Mobile Intensive Care Technician, can receive scholarship support through the Jonathan Ed Hara Scholarship Fund. Hawai'i Community Foundation provides Hawaii first responders–focused students with funding if they are Hawaii residents, Hawaii Island high school or homeschool graduates, demonstrate financial need, and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts running first responder or technology and engineering education programs can apply for grants up to US $50,000. Motorola Solutions Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving underrepresented people of color and women, including leadership development, mental wellness, disaster preparedness, and hands-on STEM, coding, robotics, and workforce preparation for youth and young adults.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs may be eligible for this scholarship, including those from Hawaii studying at U.S. institutions. CommunityGiving provides awards of US $2,000 to support leadership-minded students preparing for careers in policing, firefighting, EMT, and related public safety fields.

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 the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s Midland Empire Safety Association Scholarship; awards more than US $500 for academic study. U.S. students planning careers that support first responder safety may benefit.

Hawaii first responder families with college-bound children can access funding through the NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship, which offers up to US $10,000 for higher education costs. Eligible applicants are high school seniors or college undergraduates with a 3.0 GPA or higher whose parent is a current, retired, disabled, or deceased full-time first responder or military personnel.

Elk County and surrounding area high school seniors and non-traditional students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related first responder studies can access funding through the Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship. Administered by Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, this scholarship supports community-involved applicants with financial need, and may benefit Hawaii first responder programs seeking similar educational opportunities.

Hawaii students pursuing higher education related to first responder or military careers may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports graduating high school seniors. Administered by Central Alabama Community Foundation, it assists students from specified Alabama counties and may interest families connected to first responders exploring scholarship models and opportunities.

Hawaii first responders and their families pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which offers US $500 toward academic costs. This North Georgia Community Foundation award supports police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers, or their children or spouses, who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

First responders, their spouses, or children pursuing post-secondary education can receive a US $500 scholarship through the Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship, open to North Georgia applicants. Administered by North Georgia Community Foundation, this support may benefit first responder families connected to Hawaii who meet the GPA and relationship criteria.

Hawaii 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 first responders, defined as police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers, who meet a minimum 2.5 GPA.

First responders, or their children or spouses, pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support for higher education; awards are US $750 and are open nationally, including Hawaii. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help first responder families access financial assistance for college or other post-secondary programs.

Hawaii first responders and their children or grandchildren seeking higher education funding can apply for a US $1,200 scholarship supporting police, fire, or EMS studies. Through the North Georgia Community Foundation’s Coleman, Chambers & Rogers First Responders College Scholarship, eligible applicants planning to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school may benefit.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing first responder, fire, emergency management, EMS, or related studies can receive approximately US $1,000 in higher education support; applicants must be Botetourt County residents. Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia provides this non-renewable scholarship, which may interest Hawaii-focused programs guiding students into first responder careers.

Volunteer fire departments, volunteer EMS agencies, and small law enforcement agencies in the U.S. can seek funding for education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health needs. Grants from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties help first responder organizations, including those in Hawaii, access up to US $1,500 through the Hero Fund America Fund.

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.

Hawaii public safety organizations, including fire and police departments, schools, military entities, and nonprofits, can seek funding for life-saving equipment, prevention education, scholarships, disaster relief, and military support. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides U.S. first responder grants up to Up to US $40,000, with quarterly application windows and a 600-application cap each round.

Public health, laboratory, and emergency preparedness organizations in Hawaii can access workforce development support through the Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program, which trains early-career scientists across key lab science areas. Association of Public Health Laboratories places fellows in host labs nationwide, which may benefit first responder agencies engaged in disaster preparedness, environmental health, or infectious disease response.

Hawaii first responder and veteran support organizations can access funding for programs serving first responders, veterans, and their families, as well as related community needs. Grants from the Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, typically over US $10,000, prioritize communities served by Pinnacle Bank and Bank of Colorado but are open to eligible 501(c)(3)s and government entities.

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 H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Scholarship Program supports students aiming to enroll in firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical programs at accredited institutions. Established in 2005, the foundation provides $5,000 scholarships to eligible candidates, including high school seniors and current college students. The program emphasizes commitment to public safety and community service, assisting those pursuing careers as first responders. This initiative highlights the foundation's dedication to enhancing lifesaving capabilities within local communities.

The First Responders Outreach (FRO) Grant, provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation, supports essential resources for firefighters, police, and EMTs. This grant specifically targets First Responder Departments, allowing one application per year focused on equipment and training. It excludes funding for building costs and weaponry. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and preparedness of those who protect our communities during emergencies, ensuring they have the necessary tools and training to perform their vital roles effectively.

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 Hawaii can seek funding for programs that build relationships between first responders and children. First Responders Childrens Foundation supports mental and behavioral health, youth engagement, family support, emergency support, and broader community engagement initiatives, with awards up to US $5,000.