How to Pay For Search and Rescue Equipment

Finding money to purchase new equipment can be a challenge for every search and rescue team. Most team members are willing and able to pay for their own personal items like shirts, vests, whistles, and compasses. But team equipment can be very expensive.

How can your team raise the money for search and rescue team equipment?

Some teams require new members to pay a one-time fee to cover the cost of books and materials.

People who have been found or rescued by the team will often make a nice donation.

Local businesses are usually happy to help a local volunteer team.

Team members often donate cash or equipment.

Some teams hold fund raisers. A spaghetti dinner. A pancake breakfast. Often local organizations will allow you to use their facilities and will even help with the dinner.

Our team had a raffle. We sold $20 tickets. We hoped to sell all the tickets in six weeks. We sold them all in five days.

Employers will often donate money or equipment to their employees community volunteer efforts.

Walmart can usually be counted on for a donation.

The general public. Our team sets up a booth at the county fair each year. We raffle off prizes donated by local businesses. But, most of the money we collect at the fair comes from a simple donation box.