Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund

• Completed online application form
• Mandatory project budget template
• Mandatory project work plan template
• Detailed list of equipment, materials and supplies, if applicable
• Supporting documents such as letters of commitment for cost sharing, SAR partner support letters if applicable, and legal constitution documents where required

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

• 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.