Best Grants for First Responders in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units working on water safety and rescue can apply for the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for projects, equipment, and research. First responder and coastal rescue agencies may benefit, starting with a required one-page concept paper.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in Massachusetts and other CSX service communities can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support military members and community first responders. Support includes intermodal transportation services and occasional donations of railroad equipment and materials for organizations within the CSX rail network in the Eastern U.S. and Canada.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, government agencies, and educational institutions in Massachusetts serving first responders, veterans, or active-duty military can apply for CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, mental and emotional health, community-bridging, workforce development, or basic needs programs. Eligible first responder agencies may receive monetary or in-kind support.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) public charities and local government entities providing community or public safety services can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000 for safety-focused projects or programs. First responder agencies and related safety organizations within Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network may be especially competitive applicants.

High school seniors nationwide whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time active first responder can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 in scholarship support for college. Focused on academic scholarships, the Electronic Security Association invites eligible students in Massachusetts and other states to apply through their state or directly to ESA.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs may be eligible for this scholarship, including those connected to Massachusetts first responder communities. CommunityGiving provides support for studies at U.S.-based two- or four-year colleges; applicants must meet GPA and leadership criteria and apply online through the Scholarship Management System.

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 from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri. Students interested in future first responder or safety-related careers may benefit from this one-time fall award.

Massachusetts first responder families seeking higher education support can access funding through the NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship, which offers up to US $10,000. Children of full-time current, retired, disabled, or deceased firefighters, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel with strong academics and service records may be eligible; funds are paid directly to accredited colleges or universities.

Massachusetts first responder students can access funding through Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies to pursue EMT, paramedic, or related training. 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 for the Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship.

Massachusetts students connected to first responder or military careers may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports graduating high school seniors pursuing two- or four-year colleges. Administered by Central Alabama Community Foundation, it aids those planning military or first responder careers or children of service members and first responders.

Massachusetts first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, a US $500 academic award. Offered by the North Georgia Community Foundation, this scholarship supports police, fire, EMS, and communications officers and their families who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

First responders, their spouses, or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for a US $500 scholarship supporting higher education, including applicants from Massachusetts. The Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship from North Georgia Community Foundation is open to police, fire, EMS workers, and communication officers with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Massachusetts first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for this scholarship opportunity, which supports higher education for police, fire, EMS, and communications officers. The North Georgia Community Foundation offers one US $500 Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship award in 2026 to applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

First responders, or their children or spouses, pursuing post-secondary education can receive US $750 through the Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship, open nationally including Massachusetts. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation support higher education for police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers who meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

Massachusetts first responder families seeking higher education funding may be eligible for a North Georgia Community Foundation scholarship supporting police, fire, and EMS communities. Current first responders in Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia, plus their children and grandchildren, can receive US $1,200 toward tuition at accredited colleges, universities, or vocational schools.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing first responder, fire, emergency management, EMS, or related studies can receive approximately US $1,000 in higher education support, including students from Massachusetts. Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia provides non-renewable scholarships for Botetourt County residents demonstrating academic merit and a strong record of community service or volunteerism.

Volunteer fire departments, volunteer EMS agencies, and small paid law enforcement agencies seeking funding for training, education, lifesaving equipment, or mental health support in Massachusetts can apply for grants up to Up to US $1,500. Grants from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties help first responders nationwide 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 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 Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

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.