Closed
Source change captured:
Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund
Supports search and rescue improvement projects
Get notified when Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund reopens
Funding available
Up to 95% of project cost
Location
Canada
Overview
Public Safety Canada may cover up to 95% of eligible project costs for initiatives that strengthen Canada’s search and rescue system. Support is available for projects such as collaboration and operational readiness efforts, prevention and technology integration, and mental health and volunteer wellness initiatives.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 95% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Emergency and Relief
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Projects that strengthen collaboration, coordination, and operational readiness in search and rescue.
- Initiatives that develop regional SAR frameworks, memoranda of understanding, joint exercises, or information exchanges.
- Projects that expand safety and prevention programs for at-risk or vulnerable people and groups.
- Projects that develop, test, or integrate new technologies and processes to improve SAR capabilities in Canada.
- Initiatives that build sustainable mental health, resilience, and wellness supports for SAR volunteers and responders.
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- Mandatory workplan template
- Mandatory budget template
- Equipment, materials and supplies list, if applicable
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
SAR NIF call closed with updated dates
The Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund page now shows the call as closed and updates the application window to March 18, 2026 through May 15, 2026, with some application instructions removed.
The Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund page now shows the application period as March 18, 2026 to May 15, 2026, and the call is marked closed. This is a major timeline update from the previously shown January 24, 2024 deadline, and the page now reflects that intake has ended. The application guidance was also reduced: the online start link, detailed submission instructions, and application-help contact information were removed from the application page, while the rest of the program scope and funding terms appear unchanged.
Program guide
Eligibility
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
Selection criteria
- 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.
How to apply
- 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.
Processing and Agreement
- 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.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund Program
What is the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund?
Public Safety Canada may cover up to 95% of eligible project costs for initiatives that strengthen Canada’s search and rescue system. Support is available for projects such as collaboration and operational readiness efforts, prevention and technology integration, and mental health and volunteer wellness initiatives.
How much funding can be received?
Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund Funds up to 95% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund program?
To be eligible for the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund program, you must:
Eligible Canadian organization
Project aligned with an annual SAR priority
Minimum 5% confirmed external contribution
What expenses are eligible under Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund?
You can contact Public Safety Canada (PSC) by email at sarnif-fnirs@ps-sp.gc.ca.
Where is the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund available?
The Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund is a Grant and Funding