Best Search and Rescue Grants in Pennsylvania

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania serving first responders or military communities can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to reduce transportation and equipment costs. Support includes intermodal freight services and donated railroad equipment or materials, which may benefit search and rescue and other emergency response operations.

Focused on first responder and community safety, nonprofits, municipalities, Indigenous groups, associations, and foundations in Pennsylvania near TC Energy operations can seek TC Energy Foundation funding. Grants support equipping first responders, education, environment, and resilient communities, with awards of US $2,500 - US $25,000 for projects within about 20 miles of TC Energy projects.

Pennsylvania local governments, state-related and State System universities, and nonprofit organizations working on traffic safety education in Pennsylvania can access funding via the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to improve highway safety and reduce crash-related deaths and injuries. The grant funds a statewide traffic safety education liaison/PP&E Coordinator and sub-grants for smaller traffic safety education projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, government agencies, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania serving first responders, veterans, or active military 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. Search and rescue organizations may be eligible if their programs fit these focus areas.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities and local government entities providing community safety or first responder programs can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First Grant, with awards of US $1,000 - US $15,000. Funding can support specific projects, programmatic work, or related operating needs for organizations within Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network.

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.

Pennsylvania individuals seeking training as first responders can access funding for EMS education through scholarships from the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Awards up to US $1,000 are paid directly to approved EMS schools or programs for EMR or EMT certification, supporting future search and rescue and emergency medical careers.

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

High school seniors who are children of full-time first responders in Pennsylvania and nationwide can receive academic scholarship support through the ESA Youth Scholarship Program, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $15,000. Focused on first responder families, Electronic Security Association offers multiple awards, including additional national prizes for top applicants.

Pennsylvania first responder students can receive scholarship support for EMT, paramedic, phlebotomy, or nursing education through the Thomas T. and Christine Hegeman Wheatley Memorial Scholarship Fund. Berks County Community Foundation prioritizes Berks County residents, especially current EMTs advancing to paramedics or those with volunteer service and ties to the Exeter-area emergency health system.

Fire companies, EMS providers, and rescue organizations in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $100,000 to improve facilities, equipment, training, and public education. Grants from First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania may benefit first responder and search and rescue agencies seeking to strengthen emergency response capacity.

High school seniors and college or non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs can receive $2,000 for tuition and related higher education costs through the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship. CommunityGiving provides this support to students from specific Minnesota counties, which may benefit those preparing for search and rescue and other first responder careers.

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; awards more than US $500 for academic study. Students interested in first responder or search and rescue–related safety careers may benefit.

Pennsylvania first responder families seeking higher education support can access funding through the NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship. Eligible applicants are children of full-time current, retired, disabled, or deceased firefighters, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel. This one-time scholarship awards up to US $10,000, paid directly to accredited colleges or universities for tuition and related expenses.

Pennsylvania 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 school or community and demonstrate financial need may be eligible.

Pennsylvania students pursuing higher education and careers as first responders or in the military may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports college-bound seniors. Administered by Central Alabama Community Foundation, this award honors service and sacrifice and could benefit future search and rescue professionals committed to public safety careers.

Pennsylvania first responders and their children or spouses pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which offers US $500. Administered by the North Georgia Community Foundation, this academic scholarship supports police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

First responders in Pennsylvania and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for this scholarship, which supports higher education costs. The Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship from North Georgia Community Foundation offers one US $500 award in 2026 to applicants meeting a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

Fire-Medic Tim Peebles 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, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire, EMS workers and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

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.  

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts offering first responder or technology and engineering education programs can apply for up to US $50,000 from Motorola Solutions Foundation. Funding supports first responder training, wellness, disaster preparedness, and STEM/robotics and vocational tech education, with priority for underrepresented groups and programs that may benefit Pennsylvania search and rescue and public safety efforts.