Annual priorities
Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF)

In order to be considered for funding, each proposal must meet at least one of the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF) annual priorities listed below.

Priority 1

Enhancing collaboration, coordination and operational readiness

SAR NIF seeks to support stronger regional, Indigenous and inter-agency partnerships, with the aim of making it easier for search and rescue teams to work together and be more effective.

This priority highlights projects that help develop:

• regional SAR frameworks
• memoranda of understanding (MOUs)
• joint exercises
• information exchanges, including the annual SARscene conference
• Indigenous-led initiatives to improve inter-agency coordination at the regional and national level

Priority 2

Advancing innovation and technology integration

SAR NIF aims to speed up the use of new ideas in SAR prevention and response. The goal is to lessen the frequency of search and rescue operations, shorten response times, and decrease the severity of SAR incidents.

This priority highlights projects that help:

• expand safety and prevention programs targeting at-risk and vulnerable people and groups
• develop, test, and integrate new technologies and processes to improve SAR capabilities in Canada

Priority 3

Promoting mental health, resilience, and volunteer wellness

SAR NIF funding will enhance mental health supports to help SAR volunteers become more resilient.

This priority highlights projects that make mental health and wellness supports a sustainable element to help SAR volunteers and responders stay ready to respond in an emergency.