Best Grants for First Responders in Oregon

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies can access funding for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving community initiatives, including safety and disaster preparedness projects. Marathon Petroleum supports programs that strengthen community resiliency, benefit first responders, and address basic needs, with preference for projects in areas where the company has significant operations across its broader marketing regions.

First responder agencies and related nonprofits in Oregon can seek funding for safety, education, environment, or resilient community projects that equip responders and strengthen community well-being. Focused on community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites eligible organizations within 20 miles of its operations to apply for US $2,500 - US $25,000 in support.

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.

Oregon first responder departments seeking equipment or training support can access funding through the First Responders Outreach Grant, which serves law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, and search and rescue organizations across the U.S. The Gary Sinise Foundation allows one application per department each calendar year for eligible equipment and training needs.

Oregon individuals pursuing Emergency Medical Responder or Emergency Medical Technician certification can access funding through the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, with awards up to US $1,000 paid directly to their EMS school or program. Applicants must start and complete the term funded, maintain passing grades, and seek certification after program completion.

Oregon first responder agencies and 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with them can seek funding for programs that connect first responders and children, support families, and strengthen community safety. First Responders Childrens Foundation offers up to US $5,000 for mental and behavioral health, youth engagement, family support, emergency aid, and broader community engagement initiatives.

High school seniors nationwide whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time 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 Oregon students to apply through their participating state or directly to ESA.

High school seniors, college, or non-traditional students studying criminal justice or first responder programs may receive US $2,000 for tuition and related higher education costs. CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship serves students from specific Minnesota counties, which may benefit Oregon first responder agencies partnering with eligible recruits or trainees.

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 the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s scholarship; awards More than US $500. Students interested in first responder-related safety careers may benefit from this academic support.

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

Oregon first responder students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related training may be eligible for the Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship, which supports education costs for high school seniors and non-traditional students. Administered by the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, applicants must show community involvement and financial need and be from Elk County or surrounding areas.

Oregon 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. Established by Central Alabama Community Foundation, it honors a fallen officer and can benefit future first responders and children of first responders or military personnel.

Oregon first responder families seeking academic scholarships can access funding through the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which supports post-secondary education for first responders, their children, or spouses. This North Georgia Community Foundation program offers one US $500 award in 2026 for eligible applicants meeting 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 applicants from Oregon. North Georgia Community Foundation offers one US $500 award for students with at least a 2.5 GPA, which may benefit first responder families seeking higher education assistance.

Oregon 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. North Georgia Community Foundation provides this support to first responder families, including police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers, who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

First responders, or their children or spouses, pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support that may benefit those in Oregon. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help first responder families access higher education opportunities, offering a single US $750 Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship in 2026.

Oregon first responder families seeking higher education funding may be eligible for this college scholarship supporting police, fire, and EMS communities. Offered by the North Georgia Community Foundation, it awards US $1,200 to a current or active first responder, or their child or grandchild, from Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia, attending an accredited college, university, or vocational school.

Oregon students pursuing first responder, fire science, emergency management, EMS, criminal justice, 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 Botetourt County high school seniors enrolling in accredited two- or four-year colleges or career/technical schools who demonstrate 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.  

Oregon first responder and other 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation to support safety, emergency preparedness, and related community programs, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve Oregon communities on the Union Pacific service list and align with priorities like community safety, disaster preparedness, and basic needs.

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.