Best Search and Rescue Grants in Puerto Rico

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

With a mission to build safer, thriving communities, Motorola Solutions Foundation provides Puerto Rico first responder and STEM education organizations with grants up to US $50,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and school districts may fund first responder training, disaster preparedness, mental wellness, youth public-safety careers, or hands-on technology and engineering education, including robotics and vocational pathways.

High school seniors in Puerto Rico whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time active first responder can receive scholarship support for their education through the ESA Youth Scholarship Program, awarding US $2,500 - US $15,000. Grants from Electronic Security Association may benefit families connected to search and rescue and other first responder roles.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies can apply for CommunityGiving's Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship, awarding US $2,000. Eligible applicants must be from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota; programs support future first responders, which may interest Puerto Rico search and rescue stakeholders.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing degrees in occupational safety, industrial fire prevention, emergency services, or related fields may be eligible for scholarships supporting advanced safety and first responder education. With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri provides U.S. students, including those interested in search and rescue careers, with more than US $500 toward fall semester studies.

With a mission to support first responder families, The NRA Foundation provides Puerto Rico students connected to frontline heroes with scholarship funding. Children of eligible fire, nursing, law enforcement, corrections, or military personnel can receive up to US $10,000 for tuition, fees, books, room and board at accredited colleges or universities.

Elk County and surrounding area high school seniors and non-traditional students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related fields can access funding through the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies’ Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must be active in school or community life, demonstrate financial need, and may include those interested in search and rescue–related first responder careers.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education and careers in the military or as first responders, or who are children of military personnel or first responders, can apply for Central Alabama Community Foundation’s 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship. Students in eligible Alabama counties may be interested, including those connected to search and rescue work in Puerto Rico.

First responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education can receive the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, a US $500 award, from North Georgia Community Foundation. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help Puerto Rico first responders and families see an example of education-focused support available to those serving in emergency roles.

Puerto Rico first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for this scholarship opportunity, which supports higher education for police, fire, EMS, and communication officers’ families. The North Georgia Community Foundation’s Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship offers a single US $500 award and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help Puerto Rico first responders, their spouses, or children pursue post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must be first responders (police, fire, EMS, or communications officers) or their immediate family with at least a 2.5 GPA. One US $500 Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship will be awarded in 2026.

Puerto Rico first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through the Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship; awards US $750 for tuition or related educational costs. Eligible applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA and meet the first responder family criteria set by North Georgia Community Foundation.

Current and active first responders, EMS workers, and their children or grandchildren in Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia can apply for the North Georgia Community Foundation’s Coleman, Chambers & Rogers First Responders College Scholarship; awards US $1,200 for accredited college, university, or vocational study. Puerto Rico search and rescue personnel may find this informative but are not eligible.

Graduating high school seniors in Botetourt County planning higher education in first responder, fire, emergency management, EMS, or related fields can apply for scholarships of approximately US $1,000 from the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia. Students pursuing careers that may support search and rescue work in Puerto Rico or elsewhere may benefit from this funding.

Volunteer fire departments, volunteer EMS agencies, and small law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico can seek funding for first responder education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health needs. Focused on first responders, the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties offers the Hero Fund America First Responders Grant, providing up to US $1,500 per award.

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.  

Public safety organizations and nonprofits in Puerto Rico seeking equipment, prevention education, disaster relief, or military support may be eligible for grants up to Up to US $40,000. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation supports first responder and search and rescue capabilities for U.S. applicants, with quarterly application windows and a 600-application cap each round.

Early-career scientists seeking experiential training in public health laboratory science, including emergency preparedness and response or other first responder-related areas, can apply to this national fellowship program in the U.S. Fellows are placed in host labs for one-year terms, with possible extension, through the Association of Public Health Laboratories; Puerto Rico applicants may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities supporting first responders and veterans can apply for more than US $10,000 from the Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation; awards fund daily needs and services. Organizations in Puerto Rico may be eligible, especially those enhancing first responder capacity, healthcare access, or related community support programs.

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) partners in Puerto Rico can seek funding for programs that connect first responders with children and families, including mental health, youth engagement, family support, emergency support, and community safety initiatives. Focused on first responder and community relationships, First Responders Childrens Foundation offers grants up to US $5,000.