Search & Rescue Grants in Maryland
Last updated July 2, 2026
There is 1 active search & rescue grants tagged to Maryland, part of 8 active search & rescue grants listed nationwide. Updated daily.
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About search & rescue grants in Maryland
Search and rescue grants help volunteer and government SAR teams fund specialized equipment, communications gear, training, vehicles, and canine programs. Teams affiliated with fire or EMS agencies may be eligible for FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), while state emergency management agencies pass through FEMA preparedness funding. National nonprofits and outdoor-industry programs, such as the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation and the Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award, fund gear, canine training, and underfunded teams directly.
Other grant categories in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for search and rescue teams?
SAR grants cover technical rescue and rope equipment, radios and communications, GPS and mapping technology, vehicles and trailers, swiftwater and wilderness gear, canine training, and member training and certification. SAR teams operating under a fire department or EMS agency can pursue FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grants, and state emergency management offices distribute FEMA preparedness dollars. Outdoor-industry awards and disaster-response nonprofits provide additional equipment and training grants tailored to SAR work.
Who funds search and rescue grants?
Funding comes from a mix of federal, state, and private sources. FEMA supports SAR-capable fire and EMS organizations through AFG and passes preparedness funding to states, which administer it to local teams. Private funders include outdoor and gear companies, foundations focused on wilderness safety, and specialized programs like the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for canine teams and the American Alpine Club's Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award.
Do search and rescue teams need nonprofit status to apply?
Often, yes. Most major grantmakers require applicants to be a recognized government agency or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and many SAR teams operate as nonprofits or under a sheriff's office, fire district, or emergency management agency. If your team lacks tax-exempt status, partnering with a qualifying government sponsor or fiscal agent can open the door to programs you could not otherwise access.
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