The Details on New Federal School Security Grants

School security

New Resource: SIA Guide to School Security Funding

Updated November 2022

SIA Guide to School Security FundingMore than ever before, education leaders are seeking security enhancements to their facilities as part of their comprehensive school safety strategies. The Security Industry Association (SIA) is pleased to introduce the SIA Guide to School Security Funding in response to the need for more centralized information on the variety of sources of funding available specifically for K-12 school security solutions. In this informative guide, explore:

  • Primary sources of funding for school security improvements
  • Details of key federal and state grant programs focused on school security technology, equipment and related uses, including details on eligibility, allowable uses and requirements, available funds, points of contact and how to apply
  • Key supporting documents, resources and links for grant applications
  • Information on state-specific security requirements
  • Details on cooperative purchasing mechanisms using the General Services Administration Schedule contract and other programs for state and local government

Access the SIA School Security Funding Guide (free for SIA members!) here.

Congress has provided significant new funding for school security. 

Updated April 16, 2019

Through the STOP School Violence Act enacted in 2018, Congress authorized nearly $1 billion for U.S. Department of Justice school safety and security grants over the next ten years. Two thirds of funding appropriated under the act supports violence prevention training and anonymous reporting technology through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, while one third is prioritized specifically for school security equipment and technology and related uses under the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP).

For information on allowable uses, application considerations and other important information on the program, see SIA’s school violence prevention program page.

SVPP awarded nearly $25 million in grant funding for fiscal 2018, and the application process for 2019 is now open through May 31. Importantly for school districts, a new clarification allows SVPP applications to be submitted directly by local districts, police departments and sheriff’s departments, in addition to units of “general” government (e.g., cities, counties, townships). $25 million in grant funding is available for fiscal 2019, consisting of 24-month awards up to a maximum of $500,000 and requiring a local cash match of 25 percent.

SIA joined like-minded education, public safety and parent groups in successfully supporting an approach under the STOP School Violence Act that provides school districts with maximum flexibility under these programs to meet a wide variety of needs, including security infrastructure improvements. As no federal assistance specifically for implementing such measures had been available since 2011, the STOP School Violence Act helps address growing concerns with inconsistent implementation of modern, effective security infrastructure nationwide – particularly since the attack on Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012, where the lack of several basic security features played an enabling role. 

Related Content:

See SIA’s School Violence Prevention Program page.