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!

$410,000+
Awarded since 2019

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.

Supporting Partners

We're grateful for partner organizations that share our mission to advance outdoor safety.

Mra-Blue-Large-1024x1024.jpg__PID:bb8238c8-173c-4055-8831-6292b946d297

The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization committed to saving lives through search and rescue operations in mountainous and difficult terrain.

AAC_Logo_2020_Blk.png__PID:c2b3a2fb-ca42-46b0-b71f-589d8112ef0f

The American Alpine Club (AAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting climbers and advancing the climbing community through education, advocacy, conservation, and community-building. 

bUciI21u_400x400.jpg__PID:38c8173c-4055-4831-a292-b946d297fa2b

The National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional, standardized training and education in search and rescue operations. 

What the teams have to say

SAR team group photo

"Receiving the SAR Award has certainly boosted morale and shows our teams a level of appreciation. Our team is beyond stoked...this grant will allow us to upgrade and replace much needed technical equipment, allowing our members to be better prepared when responding directly to the scene of an accident. "

Linville-Central Rescue Squad, 2025 Award Recipient

SAR team group photo

"The award means we can make sure that all of our team members are fully educated with certified avalanche training to keep our team safe and keep our subjects safe in the backcountry."

El Dorado County Tahoe Search and Rescue, 2025 Award Recipient

SAR team group with a helicopter

"Our volunteers donate thousands of hours collectively and spend a significant amount of personal funds for equipment and training. This award is very exciting as it will support a significant increase in more advanced training for our volunteers, increasing the margin of safety for our operations."

Deschutes County Search and Rescue, 2025 Award Recipient

SAR team group photo

"Receiving the SAR Award has certainly boosted morale and shows our teams a level of appreciation. Our team is beyond stoked...this grant will allow us to upgrade and replace much needed technical equipment, allowing our members to be better prepared when responding directly to the scene of an accident. "

Linville-Central Rescue Squad, 2025 Award Recipient

SAR team group photo

"The award means we can make sure that all of our team members are fully educated with certified avalanche training to keep our team safe and keep our subjects safe in the backcountry."

El Dorado County Tahoe Search and Rescue, 2025 Award Recipient

SAR team group with a helicopter

"Our volunteers donate thousands of hours collectively and spend a significant amount of personal funds for equipment and training. This award is very exciting as it will support a significant increase in more advanced training for our volunteers, increasing the margin of safety for our operations."

Deschutes County Search and Rescue, 2025 Award Recipient

SAR team group photo

"Receiving the SAR Award has certainly boosted morale and shows our teams a level of appreciation. Our team is beyond stoked...this grant will allow us to upgrade and replace much needed technical equipment, allowing our members to be better prepared when responding directly to the scene of an accident. "

Linville-Central Rescue Squad, 2025 Award Recipient

SAR team group photo

"The award means we can make sure that all of our team members are fully educated with certified avalanche training to keep our team safe and keep our subjects safe in the backcountry."

El Dorado County Tahoe Search and Rescue, 2025 Award Recipient

SAR team group with a helicopter

"Our volunteers donate thousands of hours collectively and spend a significant amount of personal funds for equipment and training. This award is very exciting as it will support a significant increase in more advanced training for our volunteers, increasing the margin of safety for our operations."

Deschutes County Search and Rescue, 2025 Award Recipient

FAQS

Who can apply to the Rocky Talkie SAR Awards? +

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".

Can I nominate a team for the Rocky Talkie SAR Awards? +

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.

How can I support my local Search and Rescue team? +

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.

How is the SAR Award funded? +

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.