Best Grants for First Responders in Nebraska

Nebraska first responder and public safety-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for safety, disaster preparedness, and community wellbeing projects. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support programs in Union Pacific–served communities, including emergency response capacity, crime prevention, basic needs, youth development, environmental sustainability, and workforce development initiatives.

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.

First responder agencies and related nonprofits in Nebraska can seek funding for safety, education, environment, or resilient community projects that equip responders and strengthen communities. Focused on community safety and resilience, TC Energy Foundation invites eligible organizations near its operations to apply for US $2,500 - US $25,000 to address local needs and demonstrate measurable impact.

Focused on first responder support and rural disaster relief, this grant invites Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other eligible organizations to apply for projects serving rural communities. The Working Here Fund from Farm Credit Services of America offers up to US $25,000 for equipment, facilities, and essential services tied to agriculture, hunger, and emergency response needs.

High school seniors in Nebraska whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time active first responder can apply for scholarship awards from the Electronic Security Association. Focused on academic scholarship support for first responder families, this program offers US $2,500 - US $15,000 to help students pursue their educational goals.

High school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs can receive scholarship support for U.S.-based 2- or 4-year colleges. CommunityGiving provides Nebraska first responder students and others with US $2,000 awards when they meet GPA, county-of-origin, and leadership requirements listed for this Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship.

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. The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri awards this one-time fall-semester support, which may benefit future first responder and emergency services careers.

Nebraska first responder families seeking higher education support can access funding through the NRA Foundation’s Frontline Heroes Scholarship, offering up to US $10,000. Children of full-time current, retired, disabled, or deceased first responders or military personnel with strong academics and involvement may receive a one-time award paid directly to accredited colleges or universities.

Nebraska first responder students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related training can access funding through the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies’ Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship. 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.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing careers as first responders or in the military, or who are children of military personnel or first responders, can access funding through the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship to attend accredited colleges. Students in Nebraska with these backgrounds may be eligible if they meet the program’s county and academic requirements.

Nebraska first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, a US $500 academic award. Offered by the 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 can receive scholarship support through the Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship, including those from Nebraska. This North Georgia Community Foundation award offers US $500 to eligible applicants with at least a 2.5 GPA who are connected to police, fire, EMS, or communication officer service.

Nebraska 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. This North Georgia Community Foundation scholarship supports higher education for police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

First responders, or their spouses and children, pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support through the Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship, including applicants from Nebraska. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation offer US $750 to eligible police, fire, EMS, and communications officers’ families who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

Nebraska first responders and their children or grandchildren planning to attend college or vocational school may be eligible for a US $1,200 scholarship supporting higher education costs. Funding comes from the North Georgia Community Foundation’s Coleman, Chambers & Rogers First Responders College Scholarship, which serves current and active police, fire, and EMS workers and their families in Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing first responder, fire, emergency management, or related studies can receive approximately US $1,000 in higher education support, including students in Nebraska. Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia provides this non-renewable scholarship for Botetourt County residents who show academic merit, plan accredited postsecondary enrollment, and demonstrate a strong record of community service.

Volunteer fire departments, volunteer EMS agencies, and small law enforcement agencies seeking funding for training, education, lifesaving equipment, or mental health support across the U.S., including Nebraska, may be eligible. Grants from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties provide up to US $1,500 through the Hero Fund America First Responders Grant Round.

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.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts running first responder or STEM education programs can receive up to US $50,000 for training, leadership development, wellness, scholarships, or technology and engineering education. Motorola Solutions Foundation prioritizes underrepresented groups and data-driven programs, with a focus on safer cities, public safety careers, and community preparedness initiatives.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

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.

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.