School safety grants: How to find and apply for funding
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Schools should be safe and secure environments to facilitate learning and foster a supportive climate for students. In recent years, incidents involving violence, threats and substance use like vaping have increased, putting added pressure on schools to find effective ways to address these issues. However, many schools feel unprepared to keep up with these evolving threats.
Smart technologies and organizational practices can be used to help identify and address security threats, yet finding the funding for these solutions can be difficult. Many schools operate with limited budgets, leaving them struggling to find the resources needed to invest in security infrastructure.
School safety grants may help address this pressing issue. In this guide, we provide guidance on how to apply for school security grants in 2026, how to use school safety funding effectively and which security improvements grant programs may cover.
What do school security grants cover?
School security grants and grants for school safety cover a range of equipment, training programs and organizational resources to improve school safety. The specifics of different grant awards will vary depending on the purpose of the program, but most safety grants for schools can be used to fund the following improvements.
Vape detection technologies
Vaping is a significant health concern for many school communities, with over 1.63 million school-aged children using e-cigarettes regularly. School safety grant programs can help prevent vaping in schools and address this issue by funding the installation of smart vape detectors in high-risk areas like restrooms and locker rooms.
Multifunctional school vape detectors, such as the Halo Smart Sensor, are increasingly used to detect not only e-cigarette vapor but also THC, bullying and air quality changes. Since Halo smart vape detectors do not record sound or video, they are suitable for securing private campus areas – all while protecting student privacy.
Panic button and alarm systems
School panic buttons and alarm systems are essential tools for empowering students and staff to discreetly signal emergencies and support rapid response. Physical panic buttons can be installed in discreet areas, while app-based solutions can be deployed to offer mobile functionality, sending real-time alerts to local first responders and on-site security teams for a more coordinated, faster response.
School security system grants can be used to integrate panic button systems into wider security infrastructure, supporting automated lockdown solutions. In emergencies, activating a panic button can instantly lock doors, secure entry points and send alerts across the facility—helping prevent unauthorized access and supporting efficient incident management.
Access control systems
Access control systems play a critical role in protecting school campuses by limiting entry to authorized individuals. Personalized credentials—whether keycards, mobile IDs or biometrics—grant students, faculty and approved visitors access to specific areas, helping to keep high-risk zones secure. Security operators can review these access events in real time, with options to immediately adjust permissions or respond to potential incidents.
Grants for school security improvements can support access control upgrades, allowing for advanced credential options and greater flexibility through mobile-enabled solutions. With modern access systems, schools can seamlessly integrate access control with broader security systems to deter unauthorized entry, track visitor movements and provide a clear record of campus activity.
Video security cameras
Video security cameras are essential for gaining situational awareness of high-risk areas, from entrances and hallways to classrooms and parking lots, providing visibility where incidents are most likely to occur. With advanced, AI-powered video analytics, these systems can automatically detect unusual activities, such as motion in restricted areas, alerting security teams in real-time to potential issues and enabling rapid response.
Grants for school security cameras can help fund upgrades to video systems, enabling schools to install higher-resolution cameras, develop more responsive video management systems and integrate analytics tools for enhanced situational awareness. By supporting faster response times, these modern video systems are invaluable in promoting a safe and effective learning environment.
Firearm detection solutions
Firearm incidents are a major threat to school safety, with the number of incidents recorded in U.S. schools rising by 300% between 2016-2024. Safety grants for schools can be used to fund the implementation of concealed firearm detection systems and the integration of visible firearm detection analytics into existing video security systems.
Walk-through scanners and x-ray machines help security staff identify concealed weapons before they’re carried onto school grounds. AI-powered visible firearm detection analytics integrate into existing security cameras to identify objects resembling firearms and alert security operators about potential threats.
Professional security personnel
While many schools choose to pursue grants for school safety equipment, school security funding can also cover the costs of hiring security staff. Grants like the COPS Supporting Safe Schools program provide resources to help schools bring dedicated law enforcement officers to enhance on-site protection.
Other charitable and federal school safety grants can also be used to cover the wages of additional specialists to reduce vaping and substance misuse. These professionals offer support to students and training for staff, helping create a safer, healthier school environment.
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Notable types of security grants for schools
Schools have a range of options for safety and security grants, with new federal, state, charitable and private school safety funding programs released each year. For the 2026 grant programs, the president’s budget proposal is pending as of November 2025. Some of the grants and funding highlighted below may change depending on the approved budget. It’s still noteworthy to review these grants, as many of them will continue into and throughout 2026.
FY25 COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)
The SVPP is a federal grant program run by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). It provides funding to improve security at schools and on school grounds through evidence-based strategies. Recipients are required to contribute a 25% local cash match toward the total cost of the approved project. However, the COPS Office may waive this requirement for applicants demonstrating severe financial need. The funded projects have a duration of 36 months (3 years).
It’s important to note that individual schools not operating as school districts, independent schools and private schools, including private charter schools, are ineligible to apply as primary applicants.
- Source:The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
- Maximum award: Awards up to $500,000
- Eligibility: State governments and their agencies, units of local government, including their counties, cities, towns and school districts, federally recognized Indian tribes and public government agencies.
Student, Teachers and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Program
The STOP School Violence Program was developed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) attributed $83 million in funding under the STOP School Violence Act. It is a program that helps schools strengthen their security and safety infrastructures across the U.S.
The funding is offered in two different tiered categories. Category 1 supports state governments and public higher education, while Category 2 supports local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofits, school districts and both private and charter schools in delivering similar initiatives.
- Source: The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
- Maximum funding awarded: For Category 1, approximately 10 awards with ceilings of up to $2 million each for a performance period of 36 months starting October 1, 2025. For Category 2 anticipated 69 awards, with ceilings of up to $1 million each, also for 36-month performance periods beginning on the same date.
- Eligibility: Varies by each category. State and public education are eligible for Category 1, while counties, cities, townships, school districts, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, federally recognized tribal governments, and private or charter schools.
Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program (TVTP)
The TVTP is a Department of Homeland Security grant for school safety offering funding to schools and nonprofits to help prevent targeted violence and acts of terrorism. TVTP school security funding can be used to strengthen security systems, train staff and improve emergency preparedness.
The TVTP is an annually-renewed grant for school security, with application guidance typically published in January and a Notice of Funding Opportunity in the following spring. Schools can apply to the TVTP multiple times but may submit only one application per funding track.
- Source: The Department of Homeland Security
- Maximum award: $1,500,000
- Eligibility: state governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutes of higher education (as defined by 2C.F.R.§200.1) and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
The Department of Homeland Security NSGP program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides funding to nonprofit organizations to improve emergency preparedness through physical security improvements. To qualify for this federal grant for school safety, schools, religious institutions and community centers with 501(c)(3) IRS status must demonstrate the risks their institutions face from targeted attacks.
Schools with 501(c)(3) IRS status can apply for NSGP grants, with funds available each spring. Approved applicants may receive up to $150,000 per site (for a maximum of three sites), in government-backed school safety funding.
- Source: The Department of Homeland Security
- Maximum award: $150,000 per site up to $450,000 total funding
- Eligibility: all 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organizations
Stronger Connections Grant Program (SCGP)
The SCGP is a federal grant for school security issued by the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the grant is to improve student safety and health through investments in technologies, resources and training that prevent violence in schools. Schools can use SCGP funds for a variety of technological and organizational improvements.
Although the SCGP is a federal school security grant, the funds are distributed to State Educational Agencies (SEA) to be awarded to eligible schools in local school districts. To apply for SCGP school safety grant funding, schools should contact their state SEA for grant dates and deadlines, as these vary by state.
- Source: The Department of Education
- Maximum award: varies by state (total appropriations equal $1 billion)
- Eligibility: school districts and 501(c)(3) schools in participating states
Project Emergency School Response to Violence (SERV)
Administered by the Department of Education, Project SERV provides funding to schools and higher education institutions recovering from violent or traumatic events. SERV grants for school safety offer short-term support to schools to help teachers mitigate disruptions that may affect students’ ability to learn.
Project SERV is an ongoing school safety grant program with no set application deadlines. The Department of Education contacts schools in affected districts to discuss SERV funding. To receive the grant, schools must then produce an application document outlining their specific needs.
- Source: The Department of Education
- Maximum award: decided on a case-by-case basis
- Eligibility: Local Education Agencies (LEA) and institutes of higher education that have been impacted by violent or traumatic events
State-specific security grants for schools
In addition to federal school safety grants, many local SEAs, law enforcement departments and state government agencies offer funding to schools in their regions. While these grants may be drawn from a federal source, they typically aim to address security concerns impacting local communities.
Schools can find more information about state-specific grants by contacting their state Attorney General or local SEAs. Alternatively, school security grants finder tools like schoolsafety.gov, grants.gov or the SAMHSA Grants Dashboard can be used to search for current and upcoming local programs.
Private safety grants for schools
Private and non-governmental sources also provide grants for school security improvements. These grants may target specific issues or allow schools to request funding for unique needs by reaching out directly to private organizations.
JUUL settlement funds are an example of a recent school safety funding opportunity intended to help combat vaping in schools, with $1.7 billion distributed across several states for this purpose. Schools can also approach local businesses or charitable organizations to seek grant funding for school security infrastructure enhancements.
Examples of organizations offering school safety grant opportunities include:
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How to apply for school safety grants
No matter the source, applying for school safety grant funding generally requires a formal proposal that outlines the need for and planned use of funds. While requirements may vary across school security grant programs, most applications follow a similar format. Below is a typical application process for school security grants.
1. Research relevant funding opportunities
Most safety grants for schools target specific issues, with funds only available for eligible safety measures. To locate relevant grants, begin by assessing your school’s safety needs to identify areas of improvement and guide your search for grants.
For example, if there’s an increase in physical security threats, like trespassing, fighting and vandalism, prioritize grants for school security systems. Alternatively, if you identified issues with vaping and smoking on campus, look for targeted vape detection grants.
2. Document unique grant requirements
Once relevant school safety grant opportunities are identified, review each program’s application requirements. For state and federal school safety grants, these details are typically outlined in a Request for Funding Proposal (RFP), while other grants may provide application details in the eligibility requirements.
School safety grant requirements to note include:
- Eligibility: some grants are limited to certain types of schools or locations.
- Deadlines: consider timelines for the initial application, progress reports, invoicing and fund usage.
- Formatting: adhere to specific formatting, as non-compliant proposals may be disqualified.
- Evidence: risk assessments, police reports or similar documentation may be required to validate your application.
3. Secure necessary registration credentials
Many awarding bodies, including those that distribute state and federal school security grant funding, require applicants to register with an award management system. Complete any necessary registrations before submitting a school safety grant proposal to ensure it is processed.
To apply for federal school safety grants, you will need to secure a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from sam.gov. Other programs may require registration with a local award management system or a state government awards agency, as outlined in the eligibility or applicant information.
4. Craft applications around selection criteria
With research and administrative preparations complete, you can begin writing the grant application. Be sure to structure the proposal around the grant’s selection criteria, presenting a clear narrative that ties your funding needs to the program’s goals.
Following the formatting rules provided by the school security grant’s awarding body, describe your need for funding and outline how the funds will be used. Focus your application on the severity of security threats, how the grant will address them and specifics on implementation and management.
5. Submit your proposal in a timely manner
With everything prepared, grant proposal teams should be ready to submit their applications. Given the high demand for school safety grants, it’s important to submit your application early to ensure adequate time for review and any final adjustments.
To stay ahead of the deadlines, refine searches by program release dates while researching school safety grant opportunities. For annually-revised programs, like those issued by the Department of Homeland Security, knowing when programs renew can help you plan applications in a timely manner.
Five tips for securing school safety grants successfully
Grants for school security are highly competitive, with only around one in seven grant proposals approved on average. Alongside meeting general application requirements, proposals must demonstrate how grant funding will make a meaningful impact and be used effectively.
Here are some tips to help you craft a successful school safety grant proposal.
1. Carefully review details and requirements
Given the volume of school safety grants, awarding bodies may quickly filter out proposals that don’t meet requirements. To avoid this, closely follow all provided instructions, including eligibility, formatting guidelines and deadlines.
2. Provide thorough supporting documentation
Detailed documentation strengthens a school safety grant proposal, making it more likely to stand out.
To secure grants for school safety equipment in 2026 and beyond, schools should clearly outline their reasons for needing funding and present a well-researched plan for its use. Collect and submit as much supporting evidence as possible, and be prepared to provide documents such as:
- Risk assessments
- Action reports
- Emergency management plans
- Police or insurance reports
- Project timelines
3. Craft proposals around a central narrative
A strong proposal aligns closely with the program’s purpose, telling a story that emphasizes how the grant will address a specific issue. For example, if a school safety grant aims to reduce student substance use, structure the proposal around this narrative. This can include statistical evidence about the severity of the issue, followed by a clear plan for using funds to address it.
4. Start early to build a strong proposal
Early preparation allows grant writing teams to collect evidence and refine key narratives, improving the quality of the school safety grant proposal. Some foundational steps like forming proposal teams, conducting risk assessments and collecting supporting evidence can be done well in advance to streamline the application process.
For annually-renewed programs, keep track of recurring deadlines to prepare as far as a year in advance. For one-off school security grants, use school security grants finder tools to identify upcoming opportunities.
5. Consult external professionals
Bringing in external professionals can enhance the quality of your school safety grant application by ensuring it meets high standards across all sections. Security experts can offer guidance on practical implementation plans, financial advisors can help solidify funding strategies and professional grant writers can review structure and clarity—helping create a strong, polished application.
Ways to improve security with school safety funding
Safety and security grants for schools can support a range of significant security enhancements, helping schools to create a safer environment. Though some programs may have restrictions on fund use, here are several effective ways to improve security with school safety funding.
- Implement school security cameras: school security grants can help fund the installation or upgrades to video security, enabling schools to achieve real-time awareness and detect threats quickly with AI-powered video analytics.
- Develop emergency lockdown systems: physical and app-based panic buttons integrated with lockdown systems help secure school campuses in the event of a threat by automatically locking doors upon activation of a building lockdown.
- Install vape detection technologies: some school safety grants can fund the installation of vape detectors in areas where video security is not feasible to help identify and deter vaping and smoking.
- Leverage access control solutions: access control systems help protect schools from unauthorized entry, allowing security teams to detect unusual activities and adjust permissions in real time to respond effectively to security incidents.
- Strengthen cybersecurity protections: schools hold valuable personal data of students and staff, making them attractive targets for cyberattacks. Strong cybersecurity defenses can help protect this sensitive information and prevent disruption to school operations.
- Fund staff security training programs: school security funding can finance training programs for staff, with law enforcement and private security professionals providing comprehensive, up-to-date training on how to identify and respond to common safety threats.
Conclusion
School safety grants can support schools in addressing security risks, creating safer campuses and promoting better learning outcomes. However, given the competitive nature of private and governmental school security funding programs, writing a successful grant proposal requires careful planning, time and dedicated resources.
To maximize the chances of receiving school security grant funding, schools should begin fact-finding and application processes as early as possible. By identifying current risks, consulting with experts and ensuring proposals meet program requirements, you can create a compelling grant application.