
APPLYING FOR GRANTS
Applying for grants is a vital step in securing funding for school safety programs. Grants can provide the necessary financial support to implement evidence-based safety initiatives, such as threat assessment teams, crisis intervention training, and anonymous reporting systems. By investing in these programs, schools can create a safer and more supportive learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.
Grants can also help schools address specific safety concerns, such as bullying, violence prevention, and mental health support. Many organizations, government agencies, and foundations offer grants for school safety initiatives, providing opportunities for schools to access funding that might not be available through traditional budget channels. By applying for grants, schools can tap into these resources and enhance their safety protocols, ultimately benefiting the entire school community.
Securing grant funding can also have long-term benefits for schools, as it allows them to develop sustainable safety programs and build partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders. This, in turn, can lead to a culture of safety and wellness that extends beyond the school walls, fostering a more resilient and supportive community. By prioritizing grant applications for school safety programs, schools can take proactive steps towards creating a safer and more nurturing environment for everyone.
Check out a list of grants that apply to you.

Federal Based Grants
Deadline: June 18, 2025
Description: Provides funding directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (school districts, public boards of education, police departments, and sheriffs’ departments) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the grantees’ jurisdictions through evidence-based school safety programs and technology.
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Deadline: Not Applicable
Description: Provides funding to short-term education-related services for local educational agencies and institutions of higher education to help them recover from a violent or traumatic event in which the learning environment has been disrupted.
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State Based Grants
State based grants provide an additional funding stream for schools to develop and enhance safety initiatives, tailored to meet specific state and local needs. These grants are often administered by state agencies, such as departments of education or public safety. State based grants can support a range of safety initiatives, including threat assessment teams, crisis intervention training, and anonymous reporting systems. By leveraging state grant funding, schools can address unique safety concerns and priorities, while also aligning with statewide goals and objectives. This funding can also facilitate partnerships between schools, local law enforcement, and community organizations, promoting a coordinated approach to creating safer schools and communities.
FY2026 School Access for Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Description: The FY2026 School Access for Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program will provide $4,850,000 to Colorado schools, BOCES, and school districts for enhancing emergency communications and response. Allowable expenses include training programs to enhance communications with first responders, interoperable communication hardware and/or software, and more.
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2025 Ohio School Safety Grants
Deadline: May 30, 2025
Description:
2025 Ohio School Safety Grants will provide $11 million to Ohio schools and school districts. Allowable expenses include: Active shooter response training or equipment, silent panic alarms, alert systems warning of dangerous individuals, and more. Award amount are broken down into two categories:
A formula-based grant of $2,500 or $4.50 per student, whichever amount is greater.
A program-based grant of up to $40,000 per district, regardless of the number of students.
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Refer to links above for award amount categories.
FY24 Public School Security Grant
Description: The budget period deadlines for both Tennessee grants were extended to June 30, 2025 to ensure that awardees have enough time to spend their awarded funds.
The FY24 Public School Security Grant provides $40 million for Tennessee public schools to invest in school safety enhancements. Allowable expenses include: visitor management, emergency operations planning, violence prevention programs, safety training for staff, and more.
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FY24 Public School Security Grant
Description:
The FY24 Non-Public School Security Grant provides $14 million for Tennessee non-public schools to invest in school safety enhancements. Allowable expenses include: visitor management, emergency planning, safety training for staff, and more.
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