Community Fundraising to Support Education for Responders and their Families

This scholarship initiative raises money to support first responders or their family members as they pursue training, certifications, or degree programs in public safety.

Program Features

Community Fundraising Events

Fundraisers may include charity dinners, auctions, or athletic events held by local chambers or nonprofits. For example, the Clayton Chamber Foundation’s United Community Bank Scholarship provides up to $1,000 per applicant for Johnston County first responders and their families, with applications opening in early 2025.

Scholarship Awards and Eligibility

Recipients include active or retired police, EMS, and firefighters who live or serve within Triad counties. Scholarships aim to help with educational expenses—tuition, materials, or college classes in emergency services-related fields.

 Local Examples

• United Community Bank First Responders Scholarship (Clayton, NC): Offers scholarships of up to $1,000 to EMS, police, and fire personnel or their families in Johnston County, with applications open annually and community recognition at a chamber event in September.
• First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarship: A national program with state-based awardees, providing scholarships and mentorship to children of responders across the Carolina.

Community Impact

• Eases the financial burden of higher education and training on responders and their families.
• Honors service and sacrifice in a meaningful way.
• Encourages local youth to pursue public safety careers and improves recruitment pipelines.

How to Support or Apply

• Nominate or apply through local chamber scholarships like Clayton or similar organizations.
• Host a fundraiser—golf tournaments, dinners, or runs—to benefit scholarship funds.
• Donate directly to organizations like the First Responders Children’s Foundation or local scholarship initiatives.