Best Search and Rescue Grants

The Aaron Straus and Lillie Straus Foundation focuses on enhancing opportunities for Baltimore families through education, health services, and community engagement. Since its establishment in 1926, it has prioritized support for Jewish communities, immigration advocacy, and social innovation. The foundation aims to connect families to resources that foster resilience and growth, ensuring they can thrive in a supportive environment. By investing in local initiatives and emerging leaders, the foundation seeks to create lasting impact in the Baltimore region.

The Canine Healthcare Fund Grant provides vital medical coverage for SDF-trained canines throughout their lives, ensuring they receive top-notch veterinary care at no expense to their handlers or agencies. Additionally, it extends support to non-SDF-trained handlers of active and retired disaster search canines, covering veterinary costs for wellness, illness, and injury not funded by their organizations. Each handler may receive up to $1,000 annually to help manage these essential healthcare expenses.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The County Boat and Water Safety Grants aim to support county sheriff's offices in funding boat and water safety programs. This initiative seeks to reduce accidents, injuries, and property damage on state waters. The grants cover up to 100% of eligible costs for various safety activities and have been ongoing since the 1960s. Counties can apply for funding to enhance their patrol and safety measures, ensuring a safer environment for all water users.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Fire Department Training Grant Program, managed by the North Carolina Forest Service, provides essential training courses for rural fire departments. These courses enhance firefighting skills and safety measures, enabling personnel to effectively manage wildland fires and protect communities. With a focus on practical skills, the program covers various topics including fire suppression tactics, incident command systems, and chainsaw safety, ensuring that fire departments are well-prepared to respond to emergencies in their regions.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Laura J. Niles Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of animals, particularly dogs, through research, training, and adoption initiatives. It seeks to foster programs that strengthen the human-animal bond while also focusing on the education of economically disadvantaged youth. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships, collaborative efforts, and innovative pilot initiatives that promise financial sustainability. Although primarily active in the northeastern U.S., it occasionally supports projects elsewhere, emphasizing long-term solutions over temporary fixes.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund provides essential support for law enforcement agencies involved in managing off-highway vehicle activities in Arizona. Established in 1991, this fund allocates approximately $2 million annually for projects that enhance safety and compliance. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for law enforcement efforts related to OHV management, ensuring effective use of funds for equipment and personnel. This initiative promotes responsible recreation while safeguarding natural resources.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The New Hampshire Outdoor Council Grant supports initiatives aligned with hiking trail maintenance, search and rescue operations, and educational programs to reduce the need for rescues. Organizations, municipalities, and agencies can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. The Council evaluates requests based on cost efficiency, impact, and available funding alternatives. Proposals should be submitted 10 days prior to bimonthly meetings to be considered for funding.

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

Fauquier County Chamber Of Commerce Max Tufts, Sr. Memorial

This scholarship was created in memory of Maximilian A. Tufts Sr. who was an energetic community volunteer. He was committed to many organizations including the Fauquier County Chamber of Commerce, Highland School, Fauquier Community Action Committee, Fauquier Human Relation Committee, Warrenton Rescue Squad, the Meadows Outdoors Foundation and the Airlie Foundation. Eligible students should be college or university bound graduating seniors from any Fauquier County public or private high school. Scholarship recipients should demonstrate involvement in both school and community. 

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Community Grants

Focus areas:

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of Utah’s economy, generating over $9.5 billion annually, supporting 72,000 jobs, and fueling the state’s thriving tourism industry. It also contributes $737 million in state and local tax revenue while providing $4.3 billion in wages and salaries.

Recognizing the growing importance of outdoor recreation to Utah’s economy and quality of life, the Utah State Legislature established the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation in 2022. As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the division unites the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with key state programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and outdoor recreation grants and planning. We also work collaboratively with DNR's Division of Law Enforcement Rangers. Dedicated to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for all Utahns, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation focuses on four key areas: expanding recreational access, promoting safety and education, ensuring responsible stewardship and sustainable visitation, and driving economic growth through outdoor recreation.

OHV Recreation Grant - Search and Rescue (SAR)

Utah takes great pride in its extensive off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system, spanning over 80,000 miles and covering various trail networks throughout the state. This remarkable achievement is made possible through collaboration with city, county, nonprofit, state, and federal partners. Among these vast trails, approximately 1,200 miles are groomed complexes, forming Utah’s 17 snowmobile complexes. To support the growth and maintenance of the OHV program, an annual allocation of $3.5 million from OHV registration funds is designated to the Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) OHV Program.

As Utah’s population rapidly grows, more people are hitting the trails or taking the family camping, contributing to the heavy stress on teams responding to stranded, lost, or injured individuals. As OHV visitation and sales continue to increase, budgets have not kept pace. SAR budgets and resources are stretched thin, and many communities rely heavily on local volunteers. These needs are magnified in the sparsely populated areas with an abundance of public lands. DOR recognizes that SAR teams cannot easily cover the rising costs of needed equipment and gear and is here to assist small and large OHV communities to offset the wear and tear of these calls.

SAR funding can be utilized for procuring OHVs for OHV SAR, medical equipment, trailers, radios, drones, safety gear, and more. This category requires additional information and statistics regarding OHV-related SAR activities.

The Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award, sponsored by the American Alpine Club, provides $75,000 annually to support underfunded Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in the U.S. and Canada. The initiative aims to enhance community awareness of the vital contributions made by volunteer SAR members. Grants include $10,000 for five selected teams and a special $25,000 award for the Featured Rescue of the Year, spotlighting exceptional volunteer-led rescue operations and their impact on mountain safety.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The BECU Foundation's People Helping People Awards honor exceptional nonprofit work in communities served by BECU. Each year, BECU members can nominate organizations for grants up to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be active 501(c)(3) organizations with a direct impact in Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, or Washington. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and encourages members to recognize local heroes making a difference.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the BSEE Grant Program for FY26, aimed at local government agencies seeking funding for boating safety and enforcement equipment. This program supports purchases such as patrol boats and rescue gear, covering up to 100% of eligible costs. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for equipment dedicated to enhancing local boating safety and marine law enforcement. This initiative promotes safer waterways and effective enforcement practices across California.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Best Life Community Awards, funded by Altra Foundation Inc, invites nominations for nonprofit organizations that have made a significant impact in their communities. Altra members can nominate eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits they support with their time, talents, or financial contributions. The selected nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant, aimed at fostering initiatives in education, health, and community services across specific counties in the U.S. Nominate today to help recognize outstanding contributions!

Montana Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce effectively and efficiently delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding/investments, training/consulting, promotion, research, reporting and outreach to provide affordable housing and create sustainable business and economic growth to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana. The vision of Commerce is to be the recognized leader in realizing Montana’s full potential by efficiently growing sustainable economies and vibrant communities.

Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Program

The Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Grant Program is a state-funded opportunity authorized by 15-65-121(2)(g), Montana Code Annotated. In accordance with 15-65-121(2)(g), the Montana Department of Commerce to distribute $500,000 in grant awards for tourism-related emergency service projects in rural areas. Funding recipients generally may use METAP grant funds for the following activities:

• Ambulances
• Police vehicles
• Firefighting vehicles or equipment
• Hospital or emergency response equipment
• Search and rescue team supplies or equipment