Search Through Search and Rescue Grants in the U.S.

Grants for search and rescue programs

100+

Available grants

$4.5M

Total funding amount

$7.5K

Median grant amount

Last updated: August 4, 2025. Next update: October 5, 2025.

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Grant Insights : Search and Rescue Grants

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Uncommon — grants in this category are less prevalent than in others.

100+ Search and Rescue Grants grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

26 Search and Rescue Grants over $25K in average grant size

16 Search and Rescue Grants over $50K in average grant size

11 Search and Rescue Grants supporting general operating expenses

84 Search and Rescue Grants supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Environmental Conservation

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Youth Services

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Search and Rescue grants?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
28.2%
Q2
26.4%
Q3
22.7%
Q4
22.7%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Search and Rescue Grants?

Grants are most commonly $7,500.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of nonprofits can qualify for Search and Rescue grants?

Search and rescue grants are open to nonprofits that are responsible for emergency response and disaster relief. Organizations specializing in disaster response, like maritime rescue and volunteer fire departments, are especially encouraged to apply. Funding eligibility extends to organizations that train and equip rescue teams and deliver public safety education programs.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for search and rescue, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 28.2% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Why are Search and Rescue grants offered, and what do they aim to achieve?

Search and rescue grants provide funding to improve search and rescue capacities. This includes providing proper training, essential equipment, and required resources. These resources are likely to receive funding because they are necessary to deliver effective emergency response when disaster strikes. The funding targets operations that preserve lives when a disaster occurs in remote or high-risk areas. Donors look to support organizations that offer these life-saving services.

On average, grants in search and rescue provide funding between $250 and $2,000,000, with typical awards falling around $7,500 (median) and $59,082 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Who typically funds Search and Rescue grants?

Fund allocation for Search and Rescue comes through federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Forest Service. It is important to check state and local governments as they often supplement federal funding. Additionally, private foundations, namely Union Pacific, contribute extensively to safety and disaster preparedness funding efforts.

There are over 70 grants dedicated to Search and Rescue, offering a total of $2.3 million in funds for organizations in need.

What strategies can nonprofits use to improve their success rate for Search and Rescue grants?

To improve grant success, nonprofits should:

  • A detailed description of organizational needs – Tailor proposals to match the funder’s mission and key focus areas.
  • Evidence-Based rescue achievements – Provide data-driven results to demonstrate past impact and expected future success.
  • Build strategic partnerships – Applicants that form alliances with government agencies alongside demonstrating community involvement will enhance their funding applications.

For additional guidance, explore our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling grant proposals.

How can Instrumentl simplify the grant application process for Search and Rescue grants?

Instrumentl simplifies the grant search and application process by identifying relevant search and rescue grants, tracking deadlines, and providing funder insights. Its centralized platform allows nonprofits to manage multiple applications efficiently so you save time on grant writing and spend more time saving lives. Discover how Eversight increased their grant success rate from 14% to 22%.