Search and Rescue (SAR) teams across America save thousands of lives in the backcountry annually. In Colorado alone, SAR teams are responsible for approximately 3,000 rescues each year, according to the Colorado SAR Association. Most SAR teams are entirely volunteer and rely on scant funding to continue providing services, maintain training, and purchase new equipment.
In an effort to aid these essential backcountry services, Rocky Talkie, the communication device brand, has offered its Search & Rescue Awards since 2019. In the 7 years the program has been running, it has awarded $260,000 to 27 SAR teams nationwide. The grants help fund SAR operations, provide new rescue and safety equipment, pay for training and certifications, support volunteers, and promote operational readiness.
“Rocky Talkie was born from our love of the outdoors,” Alex Page, co-founder of the brand, said in a statement. “As members of that community, we have made it part of our mission to give back to the volunteer teams that keep us safe and raise awareness about the chronic underfunding of an absolutely essential service for the outdoor community.”
This year, Rocky Talkie is offering $150,000 in SAR grants through these awards. Applications are open online through the end of the month (March 31, 2026). This is an opportunity for SAR teams that need more resources to secure serious funding.
Rocky Talkie Search & Rescue Awards: Grants for Heroes
The SAR Awards are funded in part by Rocky Talkie’s pledge to donate $2 from every radio it sells to SAR teams. Since it began awarding these grants, the amount of money Rocky Talkie has donated has increased significantly. When Rocky Talkie partnered with the American Alpine Club to award these grants in 2023, the funding pool was just $36,000. This year, the brand is awarding more than quadruple that.
To be eligible to apply for grant funding, a SAR team must be a nonprofit organization based in the U.S. or Canada. It must be an active SAR organization and “in good standing with applicable nonprofit regulatory authorities,” according to the terms and conditions of the SAR Awards.
The application process requires a number of documents and information. It requests a description of SAR operations, intended uses for any awarded funds, an impact statement or organizational mission, and other supporting materials.
Grants are usually awarded in $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000 amounts. SAR organizations that are awarded grant funding can use it for everything from rescue equipment and gear to communications equipment, training programs and certifications, operational infrastructure, or volunteer support resources.
The award winners are chosen by Rocky Talkie. The decision is based on demonstrated need for greater funding, the impact of an organization’s rescue work, the benefit it provides to its community, and application completeness.
Apply on the Rocky Talkie website before the window closes on March 31. Rocky Talkie will announce the winners thereafter.
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