Best Search and Rescue Grants in Virginia

First responder and community-serving nonprofits in Virginia can seek funding for safety, education, environment, and resilient community projects near TC Energy operations. Grants from TC Energy Foundation help organizations equip first responders, enhance environmental protection, improve educational access, and reduce barriers to community well-being, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $25,000.

Virginia first responder and community nonprofits can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 for rural community vitality projects, including fire and ambulance departments. Focused on strengthening community resources, Land O'Lakes Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations in its designated Virginia dairy communities to apply for local programs that enhance safety, education, and overall community well-being.

Virginia first responder, military-serving, and community nonprofits can request in-kind donations such as intermodal transportation services and railroad equipment to reduce freight and equipment costs. Virginia organizations that are 501(c)(3)s, government entities, or schools serving communities along the CSX network may be eligible to apply through CSX Foundation.

Virginia first responder and public safety organizations can seek Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for safety programs, projects, or related operating needs. With a mission to strengthen safe, thriving communities, the funder supports eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities across its 22-state network, including Virginia, that promote community safety and safe behavior.

Virginia first responder and public safety agencies facing serious, immediate threats to local health and safety can access funding through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s CDBG Urgent Need Fund. Grants up to US $2,500,000 support long-term recovery projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents when no other funding is available.

Public safety agencies and nonprofits in Virginia can apply for grants supporting first responder mental, emotional, and physical wellness, with awards up to US $30,000. Grants from Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services help first responders, including search and rescue teams, access wellness training, conference participation, therapy/support dogs, and therapeutic wellness equipment.

Virginia first responder, military, and veteran-serving organizations can seek CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service grants to support safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, or basic needs programs. Focused on first responders, CSX offers US $2,500 - US $25,000 to eligible 501(c)(3)s, government entities, and educational institutions within its service network.

First responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for this academic scholarship, which supports first responder families and offers US $500. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help Virginia first responders connected to North Georgia access funding that may benefit those involved in search and rescue work.

Graduating high school seniors in Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, or Montgomery Counties planning college and connected to military or first responder careers can apply for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship. This Central Alabama Community Foundation award supports higher education for future first responders, which may interest Virginia search and rescue organizations advising eligible students or families.

Virginia first responder students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related training may be eligible for the Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship, supporting education costs. Elk County and surrounding-area high school seniors and non-traditional students who are active in school or community and demonstrate financial need can apply through the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies.

Children of full-time first responders, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel in Virginia can receive scholarship funding for accredited college or university study. With a mission to preserve American values and support shooting sports, The NRA Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for tuition, fees, books, room and board, and some research materials.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing degrees in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, environmental safety, industrial fire prevention, risk management, or occupational medicine may be eligible for scholarships of more than US $500. With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri supports U.S. students, which may benefit those interested in future search and rescue or first responder careers in Virginia.

Students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies at U.S. colleges can apply for CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship, with awards of US $2,000. High school seniors, college, or non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County may benefit, including those interested in search and rescue careers in Virginia and beyond.

Students in Virginia’s Prince George County, Enon District of Chesterfield County, or Varina pursuing careers as firefighters, police officers, or emergency medical providers can receive up to US $5,000 for tuition and related college expenses. Grants from John Randolph Foundation help aspiring first responders with demonstrated financial need who meet GPA and application requirements.

With a mission to advance equity, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia provides Virginia first responders and their dependents with scholarships up to US $5,000 for post-secondary education. Eligible applicants include active volunteer or professional police, fire, and EMT personnel and their dependents residing in designated Northern Virginia counties and cities, including search and rescue staff.

Students in Prince George County, Virginia connected to local fire and EMS services can receive up to US $1,000 toward higher education costs, including tuition, fees, books, and on-campus housing. John Randolph Foundation prioritizes volunteers or dependents of Disputanta Volunteer Fire Department and Prince George County emergency services, especially those pursuing medical, firefighting, or emergency services training.

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.

Virginia first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for a US $500 scholarship supporting higher education costs. Through the Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship from North Georgia Community Foundation, applicants connected to police, fire, EMS, or communication officer roles can seek assistance if they meet the 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.  

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.