Best Search and Rescue Grants in North Carolina

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in North Carolina can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support community first responders and military-related initiatives. Support includes intermodal transportation services across the CSX rail network and occasional donations of railroad equipment or materials, which may help search and rescue organizations reduce logistics and equipment costs.

Focused on first responder and community safety, eligible North Carolina nonprofits, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and other community organizations can seek TC Energy Foundation funding for equipment, training, and related projects. Grants of US $2,500 - US $25,000 support initiatives near TC Energy operations that enhance safety, education, environment, and resilient communities.

First responder and emergency management agencies in North Carolina can seek support for hazardous materials training, planning, and exercises through the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grants, with awards of more than US $5,000. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety funds HAZMAT-related preparedness that may benefit search and rescue teams handling hazardous materials transport risks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, government agencies, and educational institutions in North Carolina serving veterans, active military, or first responders can apply for CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, health, community-building, workforce, and basic-needs programs. Search and rescue organizations may be eligible if their work supports these hero-focused priorities.

Fire departments in North Carolina seeking financial assistance for firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty can access this relief fund, which also supports education, supplemental retirement, and insurance benefits. With a mission to support first responders’ well-being, the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal administers these funds through local Firefighters’ Relief Fund boards and the NC State Firefighters' Association.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in North Carolina providing community or public safety and first responder services can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects, programs, or operating needs. Search and rescue and related safety initiatives within Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network may be supported.

Rural fire departments in North Carolina can receive wildland firefighting and incident management training to strengthen emergency response and protect communities and forest resources. North Carolina Forest Service supports first responders in North Carolina by offering federally supported courses such as S-130/190, ICS, chainsaw safety, and wildland/urban interface operations that may benefit search and rescue capabilities.

North Carolina individuals pursuing Emergency Medical Responder or EMT certification can access funding through the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians to cover EMS school or program costs, with awards up to US $1,000 paid directly to the institution. Search and rescue volunteers seeking formal EMS credentials may be especially well positioned to benefit.

First responder agencies and 501(c)(3) partners in North Carolina can seek funding for programs that connect first responders with children and families, including mental health, youth engagement, family support, emergency aid, and community safety initiatives. First Responders Childrens Foundation offers grants up to US $5,000 that may benefit search and rescue and other first responder organizations.

High school seniors nationwide whose parent or legal guardian is a full-time first responder can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 for academic study, including students in North Carolina. Focused on supporting first responder families, the Electronic Security Association offers over 20 awards, with state-level winners considered for additional national scholarship prizes.

High school seniors and college or non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs may receive scholarship support for study at U.S. community colleges or universities. Eligible applicants must come from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota and attend one of the listed partner schools through CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship.

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 from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, with awards of more than US $500. Students interested in first responder or safety-related careers may benefit from this support.

North Carolina 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 eligible fire fighters, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel may receive a one-time award paid directly to an accredited college or university for tuition, fees, and related costs.

North Carolina first responder students can access funding through Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies for EMT, paramedic, or related education. 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 this memorial scholarship.

North Carolina first responder and military–focused students may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports graduating high school seniors pursuing two- or four-year college degrees. Offered by Central Alabama Community Foundation, it assists those planning careers in the military or as first responders, or children of military personnel or first responders.

North Carolina first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through the Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship, which offers US $500 awards. Eligible applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA and meet the first responder family criteria set by North Georgia Community Foundation.

North Carolina first responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for a US $500 scholarship supporting higher education costs. The Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship from North Georgia Community Foundation is open to police, fire, EMS workers, communication officers, and their families who meet the 2.5 minimum GPA requirement.

North Carolina first responder students and family members seeking higher education may be eligible for this scholarship supporting post-secondary study. Through the North Georgia Community Foundation’s Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship, one North Georgia first responder, spouse, or child with at least a 2.5 GPA will receive US $500 toward educational expenses.

First responders and their spouses or children pursuing post-secondary education, including those in North Carolina, can apply for the Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship, which awards US $750. Grants from North Georgia Community Foundation help first responders with higher education costs; eligible applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

Coleman, Chambers & Rogers First Responders College Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2017 by Coleman, Chambers & Rogers LLP. This scholarship was created out of awareness and gratitude for first responders in North Georgia. This scholarship is available to current and active members of the First Responders, their children and grandchildren for Gainesville, all municipalities and Hall County, Georgia.

For this scholarship, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire or EMS workers. The 2026 scholarship will award one recipient in the amount of $1,200.

Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher educational scholarship assistance to deserving students.

Amount

• $1,000+
• non-renewable

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.  

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.