CENTEGIX | Education

Funding Sources for School Safety Solutions

CENTEGIX | Education

Funding Sources for School Safety Solutions

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CENTEGIX School Safety Funding Guide

Download our School Safety Funding Guide to find various federal and state funding sources available to purchase school safety solutions to help you protect your students and staff.

Over the past several years, the US federal government and state legislatures have prioritized funding school safety solutions. Federal and state school safety grants provide funding for: security infrastructure updates, investments in new safety technologies, and security personnel. 

These funding sources are earmarked to improve school safety planning and emergency response and school mental health resources. Districts pursuing this funding can increase their schools’ safety and provide resources for students’ and teachers’ well-being. 

Funding sources districts should consider for school safety solutions include:

COPS School Violence Prevention Program

The 2018 Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence (STOP School Violence Act) gave the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office the authority to award funding for security improvements to states, local governments, and federally recognized Indian tribes and their public agencies.

Eligible units of local government include counties, cities, and school districts. The program funds evidence-based school safety programs and technology to enhance security and reduce school violence. 

The School Violence Prevention Program will provide up to 75% funding for the following school safety measures for K-12 schools:

Coordination with law enforcement.

Training for local law enforcement officers to prevent violence.

Metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures.

Technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency.

Any other measure that the COPS Office determines may provide a significant security improvement.

BJA STOP School Violence Grant Program

Applications for the FY25 BJA STOP School Violence Program are now open,
with $83 million available nationwide and deadlines of October 27, 2025
(Grants.gov) and November 3, 2025 (JustGrants).

The US Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) administers the STOP School Violence Grant Program. This program, initiated in 2018, seeks to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and prevent acts of violence. The STOP School Violence Grant Program funds schools to develop and operate evidence-based school safety solutions, including threat assessment protocols and crisis intervention teams. Funds can also be used for new and improved safety technology and school security infrastructure. 

Eligible applicants include:

State and local governments, including city, township, and county governments

Independent school districts

Tribal governments

Specific nonprofit organizations

Private, public, and state-controlled higher education institutions

Units of local government

BJA’s section of the STOP School Violence Act of 2018 targets several school safety measures for funding:

Development and operation of anonymous reporting technology. These include hotlines, websites, digital apps, and other means by which threats of school violence can be reported.

Development and operation of a school threat assessment as well as convening a multidisciplinary team of multiple stakeholders to create an evidence-based assessment.

Specialized training for school officials in responding to mental health crises and staff training on topics including bullying, social-emotional learning, and suicide prevention. 

Training for school personnel and students to prevent student violence against others and self.

Hiring support personnel whose expertise directly supports school violence prevention.

Any other measure the BJA determines may provide a significant security improvement.

Title I, Part A

Title I, Part A’s purpose is to provide all children with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps. Title I, Part A provides federal funding resources to schools with high numbers or high percentages of students from low-income families. The grant supports schools to ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Schoolwide Program (SWP) schools may use the funds for school safety if aligned with the school’s comprehensive plan. Schools must conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and develop a schoolwide plan aligned with Title I goals to include school safety.

Title IV, Part A

The Every Student Succeeds Act includes Title IV, Part A. These funds increase the capacity of states and local education agencies to provide all students with a well-rounded education, improve learning conditions in schools, and invest in technology to enhance academic achievement and digital literacy. A minimum of 20% of Title IV, Part A funds must be spent on school safety, student health, or other initiatives that fall under the “Safe and Healthy Students” category. Title II, Part A funding can be transferred into Title IV, Part A, allowing those funds to be used for school safety.

IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) supports early intervention and special education services for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and their families. The CENTEGIX Safety Platform™ aligns with the goals of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by providing technology that enhances emergency preparedness and response for students with disabilities. The
platform supports IEP implementation by enabling immediate, accessible communication during behavioral or medical incidents, ensuring that students with disabilities receive timely, appropriate support. These inclusive safety measures benefit the broader school population while
fulfilling IDEA’s commitment to equitable, supportive learning environments.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Administered by FEMA to enhance the physical security of nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks or extremist violence. Funds can be used for physical security enhancements. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, particularly those considered high-risk. Public schools are not eligible. Nonprofits must apply through their State Administrative Agency (SAA) and cannot apply directly to FEMA.

State Homeland Security Grant Program

Administered by FEMA, the SHSP is part of the broader Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). It provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to enhance their ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks and other emergencies. You must apply through your  State Administrative Agency (SAA) and cannot apply directly to FEMA. Not all states permit schools to apply, so check with your SAA for more details. Funds are allocated based on risk assessments and the effectiveness of proposed initiatives. Key focus areas include: 

  • Planning: Developing emergency operations plans and protocols.
  • Equipment acquisition: Procuring necessary equipment to support emergency preparedness and response.
  • Training and exercises: Conducting training programs and simulation exercises for emergency personnel.

OJJDP Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence Grant

The Office of Justice and Juvenile Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) will fund the Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence grant program. This program supports targeted, evidence-based prevention and intervention programs to address youth violence in schools. The program’s goals are to reduce the incidence of school violence through improved school safety and climate and to prevent youth violence, delinquency, and victimization in the targeted community.

FEMA Targeted Violence & Terrorism Prevention

Administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the TVTP Grant Program funds evidence-based approaches to prevent acts of targeted violence in communities, including schools. This program supports K-12 schools working with community partners to develop proactive strategies that reduce the risk of school-based violence.

Eligible uses include:

  • Behavioral threat assessment training and implementation
  • Development of multidisciplinary intervention teams
  • Community engagement and education on violence prevention
  • Technology that facilitates early detection and rapid response to threats

TVTP grants are designed to supplement existing school safety efforts by focusing on early intervention and long-term violence prevention strategies.

Stronger Connections Grant Program

The 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) provides historic funding to support state and local education agencies and schools to establish safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. The BCSA expands vital mental health services and provides support for states and districts to design and enhance initiatives that will promote safer, more inclusive, and positive school environments for all students, educators, and school staff.

The Stronger Connections Grant Program is one component of the BSCA. This program seeks to capitalize on the strength of local communities and leaders to improve schools’ climates and student achievement. The Stronger Connections Grant Program utilizes a portion of the $1 billion in BSCA funding for state education agencies (SEAs) to competitively award subgrants to high-need local education agencies (LEAs). The program seeks to award LEAs that employ evidence-based approaches to create comprehensive plans for creating safe, supportive, and healthy schools. As such, security measures, wellness initiatives, safety planning, and associated training may all be eligible for funding.

Initiatives that may receive funding include: 

Safety assessments and corresponding safety plans and strategies

Efforts to support a positive school culture and climate, including positive behavioral interventions and student wellness support

Programs to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence, and hate

Programs to support staff well-being

Training to improve trauma-informed practices

The Stronger Connections Grant Program mandates that SEAs and LEAs engage community members and local partners to identify areas for which they will seek funding. Because the program aims to assist schools and students most in need of services, LEAs applying for funding should seek input from a diverse set of community members and from communities that face systemic barriers.

Appropriations Requests (Community Project Funding)

School districts and other local government entities can request direct
federal funding for safety and security initiatives – such as panic alert
systems – through their U.S. Senators or Representatives. These requests
are not competitive grants but earmarked funds added to the federal budget
to support critical local priorities. Requests are typically submitted in
early spring, so early planning and outreach to congressional offices is
essential. Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives to
learn their specific submission process.

ESSER Funds

Federal COVID-19 relief funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) programs ended on January 31, 2025. Schools may no longer obligate or spend ESSER funds for new purchases.

Greenlights Grant Initiative

The Greenlights Grant Initiative is focused on raising awareness about school safety grants, equipping school districts with resources and tools for successful applications, and ensuring continuous and more equitable federal funding for school safety. 

Grant writing services are fully funded by the initiative for the following:

    • High need, low-capacity districts (as identified by the Greenlights Grant Initiative). 
      • Factors used to identify these districts are high poverty rates, student-to-mental health professional ratio, school districts in which students have recently experienced a natural disaster or traumatic event, and geographic diversity. 
        • Have not applied for federal grants previously.
          • Need grant writing support NOW. 

          Funding Sources by State

          AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

          Alabama

          State Funding

          • K-12 Capital Grant Program: A competitive grant program that provides one-time funding to Alabama public and charter school systems for capital improvements focused on school safety, facility upgrades, and technology enhancements. Eligible expenses include security infrastructure (e.g., surveillance systems, secure entrances), emergency communication tools (such as CENTEGIX), deferred maintenance, and technology modernization. The first cycle closed in 2023. An additional $53 million has been requested for a second cycle in FY26.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Arizona

          State Funding

          • Arizona School Safety Program: A competitive grant program that provides funding for school personnel, and a recently signed bill (HB 2074) now allows districts to use the funds for safety technology or training if they are unable to hire a school resource officer. This flexibility enables schools to invest in solutions like panic alert solutions to enhance campus safety.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Arkansas

          State Funding

          • DESE School Safety Grant: A formula-based grant program that provides funding to public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to implement priority school safety measures. Backed by the Arkansas LEARNS Act, the program allows districts to use funds for a range of safety improvements, including infrastructure upgrades, emergency communication systems, and safety training. This flexibility enables schools to invest in solutions like visitor management systems, threat assessment tools, or emergency alert technologies to enhance school security.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Colorado

          State Funding

          • School Access for Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant: A competitive grant program that provides funding to school districts and other eligible entities for interoperable communication hardware, software, equipment maintenance, and training, enabling seamless communications between existing school systems and first responders.  
          • School Security Disbursement (SSD)Program: A competitive state grant program for school districts and eligible entities for the purpose of improving security within public schools. Eligible costs include security infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and related safety technology enhancements.
          • Preventing School Violence Grant: A competitive grant program administered by the Colorado Department of Education that provides funding to school districts, BOCES, and charter schools to implement evidence-based programs and strategies that reduce exclusionary discipline, improve school climate, and increase school safety. Allowable uses include staff training, school safety technology, and anonymous reporting systems to support safer learning environments.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Connecticut

          State Funding

          • School Security Grant Program (SSGP): A competitive grant program that provides funding to schools to implement security infrastructure improvements, including panic alarms systems. 
          • Multi-Media School Security Grant Program (MMSSGP): A competitive grant program that provides funding to schools to implement multi-media security projects that create a direct line of communication between schools and law enforcement. Eligible projects include panic alarms systems with the capability of transmitting notification directly to law enforcement.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Delaware

          State Funding

          • Delaware School Safety and Security Fund: A competitive grant program administered by the Delaware Department of Education that provides public schools with funding for projects to improve school safety and security. Awards may be up to $50,000 per school, with priority given to applications addressing unresolved safety issues or initiatives that significantly improve safety relative to cost. Established by state law and previously funded; future funding rounds are dependent on state appropriations, and no current application period has been announced.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Florida

          State Funding

          • School Mapping Data Grant Program (SMDG): A competitive grant program established under Florida law (HB 301) to provide $14 million appropriations to fund the creation of standardized digital emergency response mapping data for public school facilities. Funding supports the development of floor plans, geospatial mapping, and electronic map data that can be shared with first responders during emergencies.
          • Alyssa’s Alert Funding: A non-competitive, recurring funding program that provides financial support to Florida public and charter schools for mobile panic alert systems mandated by Alyssa’s Law (Fla. Stat. §1006.07(4)). Initially funded with $6.4 million in recurring state appropriations (FY 2020–21), the program ensures districts maintain compliant panic alert technology. Beginning in FY 2025–26, an additional $450,000 in recurring funds is designated for the development of a centralized statewide infrastructure integrating panic alert systems and school mapping data, though this funding does not cover new deployments.
          • School Hardening Grant Program:  A competitive, non-recurring grant program administered by the Florida Department of Education that provides funding to school districts and charter schools for physical security improvements.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Georgia

          State Funding

          • Safer Georgia Schools Grant: A competitive grant program that provides funding to local educational agencies for school safety programs, professional development, and infrastructure upgrades. Allowable activities include staff training, mental health supports, emergency planning, and security technologies such as panic alert systems. The current grant period ends September 30, 2025.
          • Governor’s School Safety & Security Funding: A formula-based enhancement added to Georgia’s existing school safety grants, delivering one‑time funding to every public K‑12 school across the state. In early 2025, Governor Kemp proposed—and the legislature approved—an additional $50 million, which translates to about $21,635 per school, on top of the annual $47,125 baseline. In total, each school could receive approximately $68,760 for safety and security improvements. Funds are flexible and may support safety personnel, mental health services, crisis counseling training, emergency communication, wearable panic buttons, and other enhancements tied to local safety plans. Schools must submit approved safety plans to access the funding.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Indiana

          State Funding

          • Secured School Safety Grant: A competitive grant program that provides matching grants to school corporations, accredited non-public schools, charter schools, and coalitions of school corporations to increase school safety. Funding categories include digital mapping and to purchase equipment, hardware, and technology including visitor management and panic alert systems.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Iowa

          State Funding

          • School Safety Improvement Fund: A competitive grant program available to PK-12 school districts (and others as defined) for safety capital improvements identified via vulnerability assessments. Eligible uses include visitor management and communication/alert systems.
          • Governor’s School Safety Initiative: A competitive program that provides public and nonpublic K-12 schools with funding and tools for school safety improvements — including vulnerability assessments, critical incident mapping, anonymous reporting, emergency radios, and security-infrastructure grants. Operational through 2026, with certain grant components subject to specific application windows; schools should check the Iowa Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the Governor’s School Safety Bureau for current funding availability.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Kansas

          State Funding

          • Safe and Secure Schools Grant Program: Administered by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), provides funding to school districts to improve physical security, emergency preparedness, and overall school safety. In July 2025, the Kansas State Board of Education proposed a $15 million budget enhancement for the program for fiscal year 2027, aiming to expand safety and security efforts statewide. However, as of September 2025, the Legislature has not yet approved additional funding, and the long-term future of the program depends on further legislative action.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Maryland

          State Funding

          • The School Facility Mapping Grant (SFMG): A competitive grant program that provides funding to local school systems for the development of school facility maps to aid first responders in emergencies. 
          • Hate Crimes Grant  (HCG): A competitive grant program that provides funding to local school systems, non-public schools, and childcare centers determined to be at risk of hate crime incidents. Funding categories include security-related technology and security-related facility upgrades.
          • Safe Schools Fund Grant (SSFG): A non-competitive grant program that provides funding to local school systems for school safety and security-related matters under Md. Code Ann., Educ. Art. §7-1512. Security-related software and contractual services may be allowable when tied to eligible activities like staff training, school safety evaluations, and anonymous reporting. 

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Michigan

          State Funding

          • Section 97c – School Safety and Security Assessments: A targeted funding program that provides up to $2,000 per school building for Michigan public and nonpublic schools to conduct independent safety and security assessments. Eligible expenses include contracted evaluations of physical security, emergency preparedness, and safety procedures. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools previously funded may reapply for buildings not yet assessed.
          • Section 31aa – Student Mental Health and School Safety Funding: A statewide per-pupil funding initiative supporting Michigan schools with resources for mental health services and school safety improvements. Eligible expenses include  implementing emergency response systems and contracting for safety assessments. The 2024–25 funding cycle allocated $150 million, with disbursements for schools that opted in by November 2024. Ongoing funding is included in the 2025–26 state budget, with updated eligibility criteria and conditions.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Mississippi

          State Funding

          • School Safety Grant Program: A competitive grant program established under Mississippi Code § 37‑3‑83 that provides funding to school districts for enhancing physical security, crisis response, and violence prevention efforts. Eligible uses include security equipment, school safety personnel, mental health training, and the development of local School Safety Task Forces.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Missouri

          State Funding

          • School Safety Grant Program: A competitive grant program administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), originally funded through House Bill 14 (2023) and expanded in the FY 2024 state budget. The program provided $70 million over two funding rounds to enhance physical security and emergency preparedness in public and nonpublic K–12 schools. Eligible uses included access control systems, video surveillance, emergency communication tools, vulnerability assessments, safety training, bleeding control kits, and physical barriers. Future funding has not been confirmed, and no additional rounds have been announced as of FY 2025.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Nebraska

          State Funding

          • School Safety and Security Infrastructure Grant (LB 705): A competitive grant program administered by the Nebraska Department of Education and funded through Legislative Bill 705 (2023), which established the School Safety and Security Fund. The program allocated $10 million in FY 2024 to support physical infrastructure improvements across public and private K–12 schools. Funding was awarded in early 2024 to 165 schools, with project funds required to be obligated by August 15, 2025. Future funding has not been confirmed, and no additional rounds have been announced as of FY 2025.
          • School Emergency Response Mapping Fund: A grant program administered by the Nebraska Department of Education to support the implementation of digital mapping systems in K–12 schools. The program was funded with $525,000 to assist schools in enhancing emergency response coordination and situational awareness for first responders. Eligible uses include mapping software, GIS-based campus layouts, and integration with safety systems. Applications for the current round were due by January 31, 2025. Future funding availability has not been announced as of FY 2025.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          New Jersey

          State Funding

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          New York

          State Funding

          • Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA): A non-competitive, bond-funded program that provides capital reimbursement to public school districts in New York for technology upgrades and school safety improvements. Allowable expenses include security systems such as surveillance cameras, panic button alarms, and access control. Districts must submit and receive approval for a Smart Schools Investment Plan (SSIP) before accessing funds.
          • Nonpublic School Safety Equipment (NPSE) Grant: A non-competitive formula grant program that provides reimbursement funding to eligible nonpublic (religious and independent) schools for school safety and security equipment. Allowable expenses include panic button systems, surveillance cameras, access control, security personnel, and health/safety-related facility improvements. Schools must have a valid OSC Vendor ID to participate.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          North Carolina

          State Funding

          • School Safety Grant Program: A competitive grant program administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction that provides funding for safety equipment, school resource officers, training, and services for students in crisis. The program is active, with funding dependent on state budget appropriations.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Ohio

          State Funding

          • Attorney General’s Program Based School Safety Grant: A first-come, first-served  grant program that supports school safety and climate programs through training and equipment purchases .  Every eligible school organization is eligible for up to $40,000, until the funds are exhausted. 
          • Attorney General’s Formula Based School Safety Grant: A first-come, first-served grant program that supports school safety and climate programs through training and equipment purchases. Every eligible school organization is eligible for a formula-based grant of $2,500 or $4.50 per student, whichever amount is greater until the funds are exhausted.
          • Bureau of Workers’ Compensation School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG): A competitive grant program available to Ohio employers that operate licensed preschool through 12th grade educational facilities to ensure the safety of their staff who instruct children. Funding is available to purchase equipment to substantially improve the safety and security of facilities and to reduce or eliminate injuries.
          • K-12 School Safety Grant: A competitive grant program created to help schools pay for physical security expenses. Future cycles are dependent upon available funding.
          • State of Ohio Security Grant: A competitive grant program administered by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, available to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, houses of worship, chartered nonpublic schools, and ODE-licensed preschools to enhance the security of facilities vulnerable to terrorism and targeted violence. Funding is available to purchase equipment and physical security improvements including emergency communication and panic alert systems.
          • Campus Safety Grant: A competitive grant program available to Ohio public colleges and universities to fund security improvements to improve the overall physical security and safety of the buildings on their campuses. 

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Oklahoma

          State Funding

          • Alyssa’s Law (HB 4073): A state law effective July 1, 2024, requiring each Oklahoma public school district to implement a mobile panic alert system. The Oklahoma State Board of Education maintains a list of approved vendors, including CENTEGIX, that meet these criteria. Funding for compliance is available through the School Security Revolving Fund, originally created under HB 2903 and funded via HB 2904, with allocations of approximately $50 million annually to support implementation costs
          • School Resource Officer Grant: A competitive state grant program established by HB 2903 and funded through HB 2904 that provides up to $150 million over three years to public school districts to support the hiring of School Resource Officers (SROs) and implement physical security enhancements. Eligible expenses may include security cameras, fencing, ballistic storm shelters, panic alert systems, intercom upgrades, and SRO training. Funds are distributed via the School Security Revolving Fund and must supplement—rather than replace—existing security budgets.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Oregon

          State Funding

          • Wireless Panic Alarm Grant: A non-competitive reimbursement program that provides up to $2,000 per school for the installation of wireless panic alarm systems that allow staff to notify emergency responders of on-campus threats. Systems must include wireless activation, 911 dispatch notification, and campus-wide alert capabilities. Funding is available through the 2023–2025 biennium, with installation deadlines set by June 30, 2025. It is unclear if this program will run again.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Pennsylvania

          State Funding

          • School Safety & Mental Health Grant: A formula-based, noncompetitive grant program that provides funding to public school entities (school districts, intermediate units, career & technical centers, and charter schools) for school safety and student mental health support. Funding is allocated as a base amount plus enrollment-based supplements, and allowable uses include physical security upgrades, behavioral health services, staff training, and meeting PCCD Baseline Criteria requirements.
          • Targeted School Safety Grant: A competitive grant program that provides funding to nonpublic schools (directly or through municipalities, law enforcement, or vendors) for school safety and security initiatives. Funding categories include security personnel, facility safety improvements, and violence prevention measures. 

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Tennessee

          State Funding

          • Public School Security Grant: A non-competitive grant program that provides funding to enhance school safety measures at Tennessee public schools. Allocations are based on Average Daily Membership (ADM) and allowable expenses include panic alert systems, visitor management, and staff safety training. 
          • School Safety Alert Grant: A competitive grant program that provides up to $8,000 per school to Tennessee LEAs, public charter schools, non-public schools, and church-related schools for the purchase of mobile panic alert systems. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, with two grants per grand division (East, Middle, West Tennessee). Funding supports emergency notification systems that enable quick communication with first responders in crisis situations.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Texas

          State Funding

          • 2022-2025 School Safety Standards Formula Grant: A non‑competitive formula grant program administered by the TEA that provides approximately $400 million statewide to support Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charters in meeting mandated facility safety standards under Chapter 61, Subchapter CC. Allowable expenses include upgrades to fencing, doors and windows, secure entry vestibules, emergency responder radio coverage, silent panic alert systems, exterior door numbering, and key lock box installations. Once minimal compliance is met, funds may also be used for broader security activities such as surveillance cameras, communications systems, training, and peace officer staffing. LEAs were required to apply by August 1, 2023, and must have fully expended prior SB 500 grant proceeds before accessing allocated amounts. The grant’s performance period was extended to April 30, 2026, with final amendment due January 30, 2026.
          • Safety and Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Grant – Cycle 2: A non-competitive grant program administered by the TEA that provides approximately $275 million to Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to enhance school safety infrastructure. Allowable uses include facility upgrades and capital improvements necessary to meet statutory safety requirements, such as secure doors, communications systems, emergency egress, and panic alert technology. LEAs were required to apply by May 30, 2024. The grant’s performance period was extended to April 30, 2027, with final amendments due by March 1, 2027. 
          • HB 2 School Safety Allotment: A non-competitive state funding enhancement under House Bill 2 (89th Texas Legislature, signed June 4, 2025) allocating $20 per student and $33,540 per campus to public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools for safety infrastructure, emergency systems, panic alert technology, and required compliance under security statutes. 

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Utah

          State Funding

          • School Safety and Support Grant: A competitive grant program that provides funding to local education agencies (LEAs) for improving physical school safety through security upgrades, emergency communication systems, training, and first-aid resources. Awards are based on demonstrated need as identified in a state-required School Safety Needs Assessment, with priority given to schools facing the most significant safety gaps.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Virginia

          State Funding

          • School Security Equipment Grant: A competitive grant program that provides funding to Virginia public school divisions for security infrastructure and emergency technology upgrades. Eligible expenses include visitor management systems, and panic alarms. Awards are capped at $250,000 per division annually, with a 25% local match requirement. 
          • School Safety and Security Grant: Funds awarded for this one-time grant program are available for use by divisions beyond FY 2024. The awarded grant funds may be used for equipment purchases and installations, software purchases, planning, and on-site training to improve the safety and security of public school buildings. Funds should be fully expended by December 31, 2025.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Washington

          State Funding

          • School Security & Preparedness Infrastructure Grant: A competitive grant program established that provides funding to public school districts for infrastructure upgrades that enhance school security and emergency preparedness. Eligible projects include panic alert systems, secure entry access, fencing, and law enforcement coordination enhancements.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          West Virginia

          State Funding

          • Safe Schools Fund: A competitive, need-based grant program that provides funding to county boards of education, charter schools, and vocational centers for school safety upgrades. Funds are prioritized first for special education video camera requirements, then for secure entryways, and finally for other demonstrated safety needs. Awards are based on need assessments submitted to the WV Department of Education. While the program remains authorized under WV Code §18-5-48, recent legislative budget cuts eliminated $1.25 million in proposed appropriations for FY 2026. It is unclear how much funding, if any, will be available this cycle.
          • School Access Safety Funding: A competitive grant program that provides funding to schools with an approved School Access Safety Plan and safety audit. Eligible projects include secure entrances, access control systems, and other infrastructure that improves school access safety. A 15% local funding match is required unless a financial hardship waiver is granted. Counties are notified annually, typically by May 1, and unused funds must be spent within one year. The program remains active under SBA policy, though annual funding levels depend on state budget appropriations.
          • School Safety Mapping Funds (HB 3166): A non-competitive reimbursement program that provides up to $4,500 per school for the development of standardized school safety maps compliant with law enforcement and emergency response requirements. Eligible costs include digital mapping, emergency response overlays, and related services. Funding is distributed through the West Virginia Department of Education as schools complete required mapping projects. This program is currently active, with a statutory compliance deadline of September 1, 2026. Future funding beyond that deadline is uncertain.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

          Wisconsin

          State Funding

          • Digital Mapping of School Buildings Grant (Act 109): A reimbursable grant program under the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of School Safety that provides funding to public, private, charter, and tribal schools to develop or submit digital critical-incident mapping data and building blueprints to aid first responders.

          Title Funding

          Competitive Grant Funding

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