Best Grants for First Responders in Oklahoma

Oklahoma first responder and public safety-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding for safety, emergency preparedness, and disaster response projects through the Community Ties Giving Program’s Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Union Pacific Foundation supports programs within its operating communities that enhance community safety, emergency response capacity, and related workforce and community development priorities.

Oklahoma first responder organizations and related nonprofits can seek funding for safety, education, environment, and resilient community initiatives that equip first responders and strengthen community well-being. Focused on community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites applicants near its operations to propose measurable projects; typical awards range from US $2,500 - US $25,000.

First responder and public safety nonprofits in Oklahoma can receive more than US $10,000 to support training and community-focused programs through James Avery Charitable Foundation’s fundraising support. Grants provide limited cash sponsorships and in-kind support for first responder training and support programs, with eligible 501(c)(3) organizations located within 50 miles of a James Avery retail location or major facility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering first responder training and support, arts, education, or wellness programs near James Avery locations, including Oklahoma, can apply for James Avery Charitable Foundation’s corporate grants; awards US $10,000 - US $25,000 for community-focused programs. Eligible groups must be within 50 miles of a qualifying retail or corporate site.

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 for first responder families, the Electronic Security Association invites eligible students in Oklahoma and other states to apply through participating state programs or directly.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies may receive scholarship support for U.S. community college or university programs. CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship offers $2,000 to eligible students from specific Minnesota counties, which may benefit future first responders connected to Oklahoma-focused organizations or programs.

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. The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri funds these one-time awards, which may benefit future first responder and public safety careers, though they are not limited to Oklahoma applicants.

Children of full-time first responders, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel in Oklahoma can access funding through The NRA Foundation’s Frontline Heroes Scholarship. Eligible high school seniors and college undergraduates with a 3.0 GPA or higher may receive up to US $10,000, paid directly to accredited nonprofit colleges or universities for education expenses.

Oklahoma EMT, paramedic, and related-field students seeking postsecondary education support may be eligible for the Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship, which assists high school seniors and non-traditional students with financial need. Administered by the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, it supports community-minded first responders in Elk County and surrounding areas, which may include applicants from beyond Pennsylvania.

Graduating high school seniors planning careers in the military or as first responders, or children of military personnel or first responders, can access funding through the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship to attend accredited colleges. Although created by Central Alabama Community Foundation, eligible students from relevant areas, including those connected to Oklahoma first responder communities, may benefit.

Oklahoma first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for this academic scholarship, which offers US $500 to one recipient. Through the North Georgia Community Foundation’s Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, those connected to police, fire, EMS, or communications roles can access support if they meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement.

First responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for a US $500 Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship, with a minimum 2.5 GPA. North Georgia Community Foundation supports higher education for police, fire, EMS workers, and communication officers, which may benefit first responder families in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for the Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship, a US $500 award. Offered by North Georgia Community Foundation, this scholarship supports police, fire, EMS workers, and communications officers with at least a 2.5 GPA who are furthering their education.

First responders, or their spouses and children, pursuing post-secondary education and connected to North Georgia may be eligible for this $750 scholarship, which can benefit Oklahoma first responder families studying in the region. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation support higher education costs for police, fire, EMS, and communications officers’ families.

Oklahoma first responders and their children or grandchildren seeking higher education funding may be eligible for this scholarship supporting police, fire, and EMS workers. Offered by the North Georgia Community Foundation, it awards US $1,200 to one recipient planning to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school as a full- or part-time student.

First responder–focused students pursuing higher education can receive scholarship support for emergency services and fire-related careers, including those from Oklahoma. Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia provides approximately US $1,000, non-renewable, to graduating high school seniors planning accredited studies in fields such as fire sciences, emergency management, EMS, criminal justice, and related disciplines.

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.

The State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program, administered by the US Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Coast Guard, aims to enhance safety and enjoyment on America's waterways. This federal program provides grants to designated state agencies to reduce boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Although not open to the public, it plays a critical role in ensuring safe recreational boating experiences by implementing effective safety measures, thereby promoting public welfare and environmental protection.

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.