Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund

• Completed online application form
• Mandatory workplan template
• Mandatory budget template
• Equipment, materials and supplies list, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Canadian not-for-profit and volunteer organizations
• Provincial, territorial, regional, municipal, and Indigenous governments
• Canadian universities and educational institutions
• Indigenous organizations or communities
• For-profit Canadian organizations with non-commercial, non-profit-generating projects

Who is not eligible

• Individuals
• Federal departments and agencies
• International organizations
• For-profit organizations whose project or intended outcome would generate profit

Eligible expenses

• Communications costs such as printing, telephone, internet, publishing, and sharing project results.
• Materials, equipment, and supplies required for the project, with a detailed itemized list.
• Professional services such as legal, accounting, translation, auditing, and consulting services.
• Project delivery costs including rental fees, honoraria, and direct project salaries that meet program conditions.
• Travel within Canada, including accommodation, meals, incidentals, transportation, and eligible utilities for rented or donated space.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Purchase or maintenance of motorized SAR vessels, aircraft, vehicles, snowmobiles, or drones.
• Construction of buildings, major replacement programs, or replacement and upgrade of existing core SAR assets.
• Backdated costs for previously purchased equipment or services, and funding to continue activities after the project ends.
• Ongoing operating and maintenance costs, interest, bank fees, and salaries that do not meet program conditions.
• Travel outside Canada, recoverable taxes, urban SAR equipment and training, and any profit over expenditures.

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada

• Alignment with the objectives and priorities of the SAR program.
• Alignment with the priorities of a supporting SAR partner.
• Ability to address an identified need through the project’s activities, results, and outcomes.
• Applicant management capacity and overall financial risk of the project.
• Evidence of consultation with a SAR partner and any support or endorsement received.

• Step 1: Confirm project fit
  • Review the annual priorities, program guidance, and eligibility requirements.
  • Confirm that the project is a new initiative and secure the required 5% contribution from other sources.
  • Contact the appropriate SAR NIF partner early to discuss the proposal and seek support if applicable.
• Step 2: Prepare application package
  • Complete the online application form.
  • Prepare the mandatory budget template and mandatory work plan template.
  • Prepare the equipment, materials, and supplies list if applicable.
  • Gather letters of commitment for cost sharing and SAR partner support letters if applicable.
• Step 3: Submit online
  • Upload all required documents through the online application form.
  • Review the full application carefully to ensure it is complete.
  • Submit the application online before May 15, 2026 at 12:00 noon Pacific Time.
• Step 4: Keep proof of submission
  • Download or save a copy of the submitted application for your records.
  • Watch for the confirmation email after submission.

• After submission, the applicant receives a confirmation email that the application was received.
• Applications then go through the SAR NIF merit process for review and assessment.
• The SAR NIF Merit Board reviews eligibility, program fit, identified need, management capacity, financial risk, and any partner consultation or endorsement.
• Once approvals are made, applicants and partners are informed of the results.
• Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement and then meet reporting requirements throughout the funding period.

• A free online GBA+ course is strongly encouraged before preparing an application.
• Virtual information sessions are offered to explain the priorities and application requirements.
• Organizations based in Quebec or Alberta may need to provide additional information before signing an agreement.
• Applicants are invited to consider Canadian suppliers, services, and materials where appropriate.