Best Grants for First Responders in Ohio

First responder organizations and related nonprofits in Ohio can seek funding for safety, education, environment, and resilient community projects that equip emergency personnel and strengthen local communities. Focused on community safety and resilience, TC Energy Foundation invites applicants within 30 kilometers of its operations to propose measurable, equity-promoting initiatives; awards range from US $2,500 - US $25,000.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in Ohio and other CSX service communities can request in-kind donations to support military members, community first responders, and broader community services. CSX Foundation offers intermodal transportation services and occasional railroad equipment or materials to reduce freight costs and aid qualifying programs.

Ohio and Indiana first responder employees of Parkview Health pursuing Basic EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic certification can receive scholarship support for their training. Parkview Health Foundation’s Cathy E. Harris Good Samaritan Scholarship honors a longtime flight and trauma leader by helping co-workers advance their emergency medical skills and better serve regional communities.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in Ohio 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 health, community bridging, workforce development, and basic needs. First responder agencies and partner organizations may benefit.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in Ohio that provide safety services or promote safe behavior can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First Grant, with awards of US $1,000 - US $15,000. Funding may support specific projects, programmatic work, or general operating needs for first responder and public safety initiatives.

Law enforcement drug task forces and related first responder collaborations in Ohio can seek funding to cover costs of drug law enforcement, diversion, outreach, education, prevention, harm reduction, and Quick Response Teams. Grants from Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services support RecoveryOhio initiatives addressing substance use disorders, mental illness, naloxone access, youth-focused efforts, and first responder wellness.

Nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, chartered nonpublic schools, licensed preschools, and first responder–related entities in Ohio can seek funding for security improvements to prevent, prepare for, or respond to terrorism. Grants from Ohio Emergency Management Agency provide up to US $125,000 for eligible physical security enhancements and related safety measures.

Ohio first responder students seeking Firefighter or EMT certification can use this scholarship to cover accredited training costs. Ashland County first responders can access funding through Ashland County Community Foundation if they are high school graduates residing in Ashland County, have at least six months of service with a county fire department, and are in good standing.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs may receive $2,000 for tuition or related higher education costs through this scholarship, open to those from specific Minnesota counties. CommunityGiving provides this support, which may benefit future first responders serving communities including Ohio.

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, with awards of more than US $500. Students planning careers that support first responder safety and emergency services may benefit.

Ohio first responder families seeking higher education support can access funding through the NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship. Eligible applicants are children of full-time first responders or military personnel who are current high school seniors or college undergraduates. This one-time scholarship awards up to US $10,000, paid directly to accredited nonprofit colleges or universities.

Ohio 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, Pennsylvania and surrounding area high school seniors and non-traditional students who are active in their communities and demonstrate financial need may be eligible.

Ohio students pursuing first responder or military careers may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports graduating high school seniors planning to attend accredited two- or four-year colleges. Administered by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, it is open to students from Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, or Montgomery Counties with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Ohio first responders, or their children or spouses, pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for a US $500 scholarship supporting academic costs. This North Georgia Community Foundation opportunity is open to police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement and other criteria.

North Georgia first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support through the Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship, including those connected to Ohio-based families who qualify. This US $500 award from North Georgia Community Foundation supports higher education for police, fire, EMS, and communication officers’ families with at least a 2.5 GPA.

Ohio first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for this scholarship, which supports higher education costs. North Georgia Community Foundation’s Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship offers one US $500 award in 2026 to applicants with at least a 2.5 GPA who meet the first responder family criteria.

Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, a first responder is defined as Police (including local and state), Fire, EMS workers, and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $750 will be offered.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts running first responder or technology and engineering education programs can apply for Motorola Solutions Foundation grants of up to US $50,000. Funding supports initiatives such as first responder training, mental wellness, public safety preparedness, and hands-on STEM education, with emphasis on underserved and underrepresented populations.

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.