Many K-12 schools, universities, and colleges face challenges in securing sufficient funding for educational and security technologies. In 2020, data revealed that the U.S. has been underfunding K-12 public schools by nearly $150 billion annually, affecting over 30 million institutions’ ability to obtain essential security equipment.
Budget limitations often force school administrators to prioritize other expenses like classroom supplies, transportation, and staff wages over security system upgrades, making grants for school safety equipment a crucial resource.
This guide helps K-12 schools, universities, and colleges find, secure, and effectively use school security grants to enhance their safety and security technologies. You’ll learn about the various school security systems grants available in 2024, application processes, spending strategies, and which technologies to consider for your institution.
What are School Safety Grants?
School safety grants, security systems grants, and similar programs provide funds, often ranging from hundreds to millions of dollars, from government entities or charities to educational institutions meeting specific criteria.
These programs aim to support school security improvements, offering funds for physical upgrades to campus security and safety technologies.
Most safety grants for schools are financial aids that don’t require repayment. However, schools must comply with grant provider terms to avoid repayment. Reasons for repayment might include:
- Withdrawing from the program early
- Changes in enrollment affecting eligibility
- Receiving additional outside scholarships or grants
What Do Grants for School Security Improvements Cover?
The specifics of what technologies, systems, and equipment are covered vary by grant program. Generally, grants subsidize costs for technologies enhancing safety and security.
Some grants target specific needs. For instance, federal grants like the ESSER Fund and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) cover costs associated with social, emotional, and mental health services, alongside academic technologies. Independent grants might have stricter spending rules, so it’s crucial to identify grants matching your specific needs.
Commonly covered security technologies include:
Video Surveillance Cameras Grants for security camera systems enable schools to upgrade video surveillance with modern, smart technology. Cloud-based IP cameras allow remote viewing and control, while AI-powered analytics can enhance security data quality, aiding in quicker risk identification. Integrations with environmental sensors can alert security personnel to incidents, allowing immediate access to relevant footage.
Access Control and Locking Systems Grants can fund new or upgraded access control devices, preventing unauthorized access. These include smart locks, remotely operated locks, and systems offering advanced control and lockdown features. Universities can use mobile credential systems for personalized access, allowing remote monitoring and management to prevent intrusions in high-risk areas.
Panic Buttons, Alarms, and Sensors Grants often fund panic buttons and integrated alarm systems to improve emergency responses. Panic buttons enable immediate contact with authorities during emergencies, and IoT-enabled alarm systems allow for automated lockdown procedures. Environmental sensors monitor air quality, temperature, and noise, providing automated alerts for potential threats.
Types of Grants for School Safety Equipment
Various federal and charitable school safety grants are available for 2024, each with different approval criteria. Use the School Safety Grants Finder Tool to search for funding options. Here are some popular grants:
ESSER Funds for School Security ESSER funds aid local education agencies in preparing for, preventing, and responding to COVID-19 impacts. Authorized under the ARP, these funds address learning loss and require at least 20% to be spent on social, emotional, and academic support.
- Source: Federal Government; ARP; State Education Agencies
- Funding: Average $3,700 per student, varies by state
- Eligibility: Local education agencies, K-12 schools, and student-serving organizations
School Safety Grant Program (SSSG) SSSG grants help purchase equipment improving school safety, such as trauma supplies, communication devices, and security infrastructure.
- Source: Homeland Security; State General Funds
- Funding: Up to $40,000 with a 33.3% local cash match
- Eligibility: K-12 educational facilities, needs-based
Secure Our Schools Grant Program Administered by the COPS Office under the DOJ, these grants fund security resources like metal detectors, locks, lighting, and training.
- Source: DOJ; State General Funds; COPS
- Funding: Needs-based, 50% local cash match
- Eligibility: K-12 schools partnered with law enforcement
SRO Grants (School Resource Officer) These grants fund the placement of SROs or SSOs in schools without them, aiming to prevent and investigate crimes in educational settings.
- Source: DOJ; State General Funds; COPS
- Funding: Up to $200,000 with a 50% local cash match
- Eligibility: Priority for K-12 schools without current SRO/SSO
COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) Under the STOP School Violence Act, SVPP grants fund evidence-based safety programs and technologies.
- Source: DOJ; State General Funds; COPS
- Funding: Up to $500,000 with a 25% local cash match
- Eligibility: K-12 schools, needs-based
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Administered by FEMA, NSGP funds improve physical security systems and provide safety training.
- Source: Homeland Security; FEMA
- Funding: Up to $300 million total for FY2023, no local cash match
- Eligibility: State Administrative Agencies, passed to nonprofits
How to Apply for 2024 School Security Grants
When applying for federal school security grants, administrators must submit a detailed grant proposal to local or state authorities, outlining the intended use of the funds. The proposal should detail the technologies, training programs, and procedures the grant will fund, aligning with the grant program’s criteria.
Many grant programs require a cash match, where the school contributes a percentage of the project cost. Administrators must explain the source of these funds and provide proof of availability.
Tips for Writing School Safety Grants
- Understand Grant Requirements Review the RFP or NFA document thoroughly, noting deadlines, formatting, supporting evidence, and other criteria. Missing details can lead to automatic rejection.
- Appeal to Selection Criteria Address how the project will be managed, the severity of the issue, how the project will address it, its measurable impact, and staff qualifications.
- Request a Second Opinion Have someone outside the proposal team review the application to ensure clarity and completeness.
Best Practices for Securing School Safety Funding
- Meet Administrative Requirements Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and any additional required systems like Just Grants.
- Appoint a Grant Proposal Team Assign roles such as Grant Advocate, Project Manager, Grant Writer, and Post-Award Manager to ensure a well-organized proposal process.
- Research Safe Schools Grants Use grants databases, state agencies, and federal sources to find appropriate grant programs matching your needs.
- Prepare Supporting Documentation Include emergency management plans, site and risk assessments, threat procedures, training drills, and action reports in your application.
By following these guidelines, schools can better navigate the process of finding, applying for, and securing school safety grants to enhance their security infrastructure and create a safer learning environment.
Creative Tips for Spending School Safety Grant Program Funds
Beyond the traditional applications of school safety grants for security cameras, access control systems, and trained law-enforcement officers, K-12 educators can explore various innovative ways to utilize school security funding. These creative approaches can enhance the value of their proposals and potentially secure larger awards. Here are some ideas:
STEM Programs — Grants such as ESSER funds for school security aim to mitigate learning loss among students while improving on-site security. Therefore, funds can be allocated to educational tools like robotics kits, lab equipment, and math and coding programs, effectively combining safety and learning enhancements.
Vape Detection Sensors — Research indicates that 1 in 10 K-12 students use e-cigarettes. Safe schools grants can address this issue by installing vape detectors in school properties to detect and deter the use of vaping devices, promoting health and safety measures.
Environmental Sensors — In addition to vape detectors, specialized sensors can be installed to create automated early warning systems. These sensors can alert staff to harmful changes in air quality, unauthorized presence in high-security areas, or loud noises that may indicate bullying or break-ins.
Communication Devices — Grants for school safety equipment can fund the purchase of new communication devices such as two-way radios. These devices can enhance incident and emergency response by ensuring reliable communication among staff and school resource officers.
Flexible Classrooms — Schools can utilize American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to create modern learning spaces. Flexible seating arrangements, variable-height tables, and other furniture upgrades can promote interaction and collaboration within classrooms, supporting both safety and educational goals.
Get Help with Your School Security Grants
Security and safety grants for schools provide K-12 administrators with funding opportunities to improve physical security systems, employ dedicated school resource officers, offer staff and student training, and sometimes acquire technologies and equipment that enhance learning resources and infrastructure.
Given the highly competitive nature of most state and federal school security grants, it is crucial for school officials to:
- Carefully review the eligibility requirements for the grants they wish to pursue.
- Ensure their needs align with the criteria set forth by the awarding body.
- Prepare a final proposal that adheres strictly to the authority’s Request for Proposal (RFP) or Notice of Funding Availability (NFA) documents.
By following these steps, school administrators can increase their chances of securing the necessary funding to improve safety and educational outcomes.