Search & Rescue Award
$150,000 in grants awarded in 2026
Every year, volunteer search and rescue teams head into tough terrain to bring people home, often with stretched budgets and aging gear. They're a big part of what makes the backcountry accessible, and they rarely get the support they deserve. That's why we created our Outdoor Safety Pledge.
For every radio sold, we set aside $2 for outdoor safety programs, and each year that fund powers our Search & Rescue Award. This year we're proud to share that we've awarded $150,000 in grants to 20 volunteer SAR teams across the US and Canada.
Congratulations to every team selected this year, and thank you to all the crews who shared their stories with us!
Our tribute to SAR teams
Thanks to our Outdoor Safety Pledge and your purchases, we've contributed over $410,000 to help SAR teams stay equipped, educated, and mission-ready.
Meet our Past Grantees
To date, we’re proud to have awarded grants to 47 search and rescue teams across the U.S. and Canada.
Rocky Talkie Presents:
Four Days Buried
Seven friends attempt to ski across the Harding Icefield in Alaska and get caught in a historic storm, forcing them to take shelter in a snow cave and call for a rescue from the Alaska Air National Guard.
What the teams have to say
FAQS
The SAR Award is open to any SAR team that is registered in the United States or Canada as a non-profit, or partners with a non-profit organization that can accept donations or grants on their behalf, ie: "Friends of the ABC SAR Team".
If you know a SAR team who should apply for a SAR Award, we definitely encourage you to share our website with them so they can submit their application.
There are multiple ways to support your local SAR team:
- Donate directly to your local SAR team.
- Join or support fundraisers like raffles or community events.
- Volunteer (if eligible and trained).
- Practice responsible recreation to reduce preventable rescues.
In the U.S., most Search and Rescue teams operate under the County Sheriff’s Office.
The Search & Rescue Award is funded through Rocky Talkie's Outdoor Safety Pledge of $2 per every radio sold back to safety and accident prevention.