Rising rates of school violence and a lack of funding for many K-12 public schools have prompted a variety of organizations to found grants and programs to help schools keep students safe. From school-based security initiatives to training and education for local law enforcement, students, and school officials, as well as upgraded security systems for schools and school districts, there are many ways we’re all working to keep our schools as safe as possible.

If you’ve been seeking ways to improve your school’s security and violence prevention program, but just can’t seem to find the funds you need, it’s good to know that there are grants available to help you, from both local and federal programs. Here are 3 grants available to schools making security improvements that your school or school district might be a great fit for:

01. School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)

This is a federal program offered through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program of the United States Department of Justice. The SVPP provides funding for schools looking to upgrade their security systems and improve communication between schools and local law enforcement. The SVPP provides up to 75% of funding for school safety measures and covers school security improvements like:

  • Improving school safety equipment
  • Education and training for local law enforcement on school violence prevention measures
  • School safety equipment like metal detectors, locks, lighting, and more
  • Technology that can expedite notification of local law enforcement in the event of an emergency
  • Improving coordination between schools and local law enforcement.

02. Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence

The STOP School Violence Act of 2018 is offered through the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and sets aside $75 million each fiscal year through 2028, with no less than $50 million available each year for grants. STOP grants are geared towards school violence prevention methods like training and education, and are awarded to support:

  • Training and education surrounding violence prevention
  • Schools developing their own violence prevention programs
  • Implementation of improved and technology-based anonymous reporting systems including:
    • Hotlines
    • Websites
    • Mobile applications
  • The conduction of threat assessments, and the training of intervention teams
  • Specialized training for school officials in responding to mental health crises

03. Michigan State Police Competitive School Safety Grant Program (CSSGP)

In addition to federal grants, it’s good to know that your local government or law enforcement department may offer grants for school security systems as well. For public schools here in Michigan, the Michigan State Police offers the CSSGP.

This program is reserved for public schools. An individual school can be awarded up to $50,000 while a school district can receive up to $250,000. This program is awarded for physical security system upgrades.

Be sure to check the current year’s application guide for a full list of security system upgrades covered by this grant, as items do change from year to year. To give you an idea of the types of security improvements that are eligible for this program, here’s a list of items that have been covered in the past:

  • Access control systems
  • Intercom systems
  • Enforced or upgraded doorways, windows, and entryways
  • Alert systems
  • Public address systems
  • And more

School security systems are essential to keeping our students safe. If you’re hoping to improve your school’s security system Vanguard Fire & Security is here to help. From everything from secure access control to cameras and mass notification systems, we have the security measures you need to keep students safe. Give our team a call at 800-444-8719 or contact us online today for more information.

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