Best Search and Rescue Grants in South Dakota

South Dakota first responder and emergency-related organizations can seek community investment support for disaster preparedness, safety projects, and resilient communities. Marathon Petroleum Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities with grants focused on workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities; search and rescue agencies in its operating regions may be competitive applicants.

South Dakota first responder and public safety organizations can seek TC Energy Foundation’s Build Strong funding to equip first responders and support community safety initiatives. Focused on safety, education, environment, and resilient communities near TC Energy operations, grants of US $2,500 - US $25,000 prioritize projects with clear, measurable community impact.

Focused on first responder support and rural community needs, nonprofits in South Dakota can apply for Farm Credit Services of America’s Working Here Fund for projects in agricultural education, hunger and nutrition, or rural disaster relief and essential services. Grants up to US $25,000 can fund equipment, facilities, or programs benefiting communities within the FCSAmerica service area.

High school seniors nationwide whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time active first responder can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 for postsecondary education, including those in South Dakota. Focused on supporting first responder families, the Electronic Security Association offers over 20 awards through its ESA Youth Scholarship Program.

High school seniors, college, or non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs at U.S. colleges can receive US $2,000 for tuition and related educational costs. CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship may benefit aspiring South Dakota search and rescue or other first responder professionals who meet the listed county and school criteria.

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 of more than US $500. Awards from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri are one-time, paid at the start of the fall semester, and may benefit future first responders and safety professionals.

South Dakota first responder families seeking higher education support can access funding through the NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship, offering up to US $10,000. Children of eligible fire, law enforcement, corrections, nursing, or military personnel pursuing accredited college studies may benefit, including those connected to search and rescue roles.

South Dakota first responder students pursuing EMT, paramedic, or related fields can access funding through 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 their communities and demonstrate financial need may be eligible.

High school seniors pursuing higher education with ties to first responder or military careers may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, honoring service and sacrifice. Students from Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, or Montgomery Counties planning two- or four-year college study, including future search and rescue professionals, can apply.

South Dakota first responder families seeking post-secondary education funding can access support through the North Georgia Community Foundation’s Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship; awards US $500. Eligible applicants include first responders, or their children or spouses, who meet the minimum GPA requirement and may be pursuing studies related to emergency response or public safety.

Individual first responders, or their spouses and children, pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support through the Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship in North Georgia. Administered by North Georgia Community Foundation, this US $500 award may benefit South Dakota search and rescue personnel with North Georgia ties who meet the 2.5 GPA minimum.

South Dakota first responder students and family members can access funding through the Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship to support post-secondary education. Eligible applicants are North Georgia first responders, or their spouses or children, with at least a 2.5 GPA; one US $500 award from North Georgia Community Foundation will be offered in 2026.

Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help South Dakota first responders and their spouses or children pursue post-secondary education. Eligible applicants include police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers, or their immediate family members, with at least a 2.5 GPA. One scholarship award of US $750 is available in 2026.

Current and active first responders in Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia, plus their children and grandchildren, can receive US $1,200 for college or vocational education through the North Georgia Community Foundation. South Dakota first responder and search and rescue personnel may look to this scholarship as a model when exploring similar education-focused support opportunities.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing first responder, firefighting, emergency management, EMS, or related studies can receive approximately US $1,000 in higher education support through the Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund. Administered by Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, eligible students must be Botetourt County residents enrolling in accredited postsecondary programs and demonstrating community service.

Volunteer fire departments, volunteer EMS agencies, and small paid law enforcement agencies seeking funding for training, education, lifesaving equipment, or mental health support in the U.S., including South Dakota, may be eligible. Grants from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties offer up to US $1,500 through the Hero Fund America Fund’s First Responders Grant Round.

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.  

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.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grants aim to enhance the life-saving capabilities of public safety organizations. Established in 2005, the foundation supports funding for life-saving equipment, prevention education, scholarships, and disaster relief initiatives. Eligible applicants include public safety entities located within 60 miles of a Firehouse Subs restaurant. This program emphasizes early application submission, as only a limited number of applications are accepted quarterly.

The Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program, supported by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, develops future public health scientists through experiential learning in laboratory science. Participants receive training aligned with core competencies and work on impactful projects in various focus areas such as bioinformatics, food safety, and infectious disease. With flexible terms and potential for extension, this fellowship ensures a robust foundation for a career in public health laboratory science.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

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.