Best Search and Rescue Grants in Mississippi

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Mississippi serving community first responders or military members can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations. Support includes intermodal transportation services and occasional donations of railroad equipment or materials, which may help search and rescue agencies reduce logistics costs and access needed rail-related assets.

Mississippi first responder and community organizations can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, education, environment, and community resilience projects near TC Energy operations. Focused on community safety, TC Energy Foundation invites nonprofits, municipalities, Indigenous groups, associations, and foundations to propose initiatives that equip first responders and strengthen local well-being.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits and houses of worship can apply for the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security’s Non-Profit Grant Program, with awards up to US $200,000 per site for security-related and physical security enhancements. Organizations involved in first responder, public safety, or search and rescue preparedness may benefit from this competitive program, which encourages coordination with government agencies.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in Mississippi serving veterans, active military, or first responders can apply for CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, mental and emotional health, community bridging, workforce development, or basic needs. Search and rescue organizations may be especially well-positioned to benefit.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities in Mississippi 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 operating support. First responder and search and rescue organizations may benefit if they align with the funder’s safety focus areas.

Mississippi individuals pursuing Emergency Medical Responder or EMT certification can access funding for EMS education through National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians scholarships, with awards up to US $1,000 paid directly to schools. Search and rescue volunteers or aspiring first responders enrolling in approved EMS programs may be eligible if they meet academic and completion requirements.

First responder agencies and 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi partnering with them can seek funding for programs that connect first responders and children, including mental health, youth education, family support, emergency aid, and community engagement. First Responders Childrens Foundation offers grants up to US $5,000 that may benefit search and rescue departments and related first responder programs.

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 academic scholarships through the ESA Youth Scholarship Program. Students in Mississippi and other participating states apply through their state association; others apply directly to Electronic Security Association.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies can receive US $2,000 for two- or four-year programs. CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship may benefit future first responders, including those interested in search and rescue work beyond Mississippi.

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 from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, with awards of more than US $500. Students interested in first responder and emergency safety careers may benefit from this support.

Mississippi children of first responders, law enforcement, nurses, corrections officers, or military personnel can access funding through NRA Foundation for higher education costs. This national scholarship offers up to US $10,000 to eligible high school seniors or college undergraduates, paid directly to accredited nonprofit colleges or universities for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.

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

Mississippi first responder organizations and related education programs can access funding through the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports higher education for future first responders and military personnel. Administered by Central Alabama Community Foundation, it assists graduating seniors pursuing two- or four-year degrees and may benefit communities focused on search and rescue careers and pipelines.

Mississippi first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which offers US $500 to one recipient. Administered by North Georgia Community Foundation, this scholarship supports police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

First responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for a US $500 scholarship supporting higher education. North Georgia Community Foundation’s Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship is open to police, fire, EMS workers, and communication officers, offering one award to those meeting the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

Mississippi first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through the Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship, which awards US $500. Although based in North Georgia, this North Georgia Community Foundation opportunity may benefit eligible first responder families focused on higher education and professional development.

First responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship, offering US $750 and open nationally, including Mississippi. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help first responder families with higher education costs; applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

Mississippi first responders and their families can access funding through the North Georgia Community Foundation for higher education and vocational training. This scholarship awards US $1,200 to current police, fire, or EMS workers, or their children or grandchildren, who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school as full- or part-time students.

Mississippi students interested in first responder, fire service, emergency management, or related fields can receive higher education scholarship support through the Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund. Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia awards approximately US $1,000 to graduating high school seniors who are Botetourt County residents enrolling in accredited postsecondary programs and demonstrating academic merit and community service.

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 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.

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.