What are school security camera grants?
Security camera grants for schools provide safety for educational facilities through technology grants that cover security systems and associated costs. The funding can be used for specialized equipment, alarms, electronic locks, card scanning systems, screening machines and core infrastructure. They are designed to improve emergency preparedness and response at schools for a safe and peaceful learning environment.
This ultimately aids in decreasing the rate of theft and potential threats. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 83% of public schools reportedly use security cameras for access control to monitor the premises. Across the states, multiple security camera grants for schools are being awarded to improve the overall situation of public safety.
What are the different types of security camera grants for schools?
Security camera grants for schools include several types of funding provided to educational institutions that cover security training and the purchase, installation and maintenance of surveillance systems. Here we have listed some of the most trusted school security camera grants, their award amounts and costs covered.
School Violence Prevention Program
The School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) is a dedicated solicitation for funding schools to improve security on school grounds. The SVPP is a federal program that is supported by the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. It provides school security camera grants and other funding to schools that need to upgrade and maintain their security systems. This award also helps in improving the communication between law enforcement agencies and schools. As a government level program, the SVPP covers up to 75% of funding for school security measures, including security camera grants for schools. It provides school security improvements through enhanced technology, coordination between schools and law enforcement authorities, and better school safety equipment like metal detectors, school security cameras, scanners and computerized locks. The program awarded roughly $25 million in grant funding for the fiscal year 2019, consisting of a 24-month award up to a maximum of $500,000.
Secure Our Schools Program
The Secure Our Schools Grant Program is another major funding opportunity for schools to strengthen their security and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. It is administered by the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. It provides funding to the local government to assist with the development and improvement of school security systems. The Secure Our Schools Program covers up to 50% of the total cost of metal detectors, controlled door locks, and other equipment necessary to deter criminal activity. The award also includes school security camera grants. These funds can also be used for security training and other measures that could significantly improve school security.
To date, the Secure Our School Program has allocated nearly $65 million worth of funds to more than 750 law enforcement agencies who partnered with more than 2,400 schools nationwide for security reinforcements.
Students, Teachers, and Officers Prevention (STOP) School Violence
Students, Teachers, and Officers Prevention (STOP) School Violence was inaugurated in 2018. The Stop School Violence Act 2018 has set aside $75 million each fiscal year till 2028 with nearly $50 million for yearly grants. It provides funding for violence prevention programs, implementation of technology, education on violence prevention, conduction of threat assessments and specialized training.
Two-thirds of the funding supports violence prevention programs and anonymous reporting technology through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. A third of the funding is allocated to school security equipment and technology essential for a safer school security system. The STOP School Violence program award can be utilized for purchasing school security cameras and CCTV installation for advanced security and surveillance within schools.
Michigan State Police Competitive School Safety Grant Program (CSSGP)
In addition to federal grants, the local governments and law enforcement agencies within states also offer security camera grants for schools. One of the many state programs available is the Michigan State Police Competitive School Safety Grant Program (CSSGP) that provides grants to the public schools of Michigan.
To create secure learning environments, the Michigan legislature provided $10 Million to Michigan State Police and Grants and Community Services to award school security grants to public school districts and immediate school districts. This move allowed schools to amplify security through the purchase of technology and equipment. The grant is awarded for system upgrades and also covers security cameras.
This program helps pay for access to control systems, intercom systems, alert systems, public address systems and more. However, the items do change from year to year.
How to apply for these grants
To apply for funding through the above mentioned programs, proper procedures must be followed. Missing any steps may lead to ineligibility to secure funding.
Check the federal government’s database
The first step is to thoroughly read and research on the types of grants so you can consider which one suits your requirements the most. It is imperative to have a detailed view about their offer. Checking the federal government’s database will give you an insight of the types of grants being allocated and a wider range to choose from. Moreover, official websites will provide you with every detail of the grant you are searching for. However, make sure to determine if you fit into an eligible federal grant category. They are most often awarded to organizations that fall under specific categories.
Reach out for organizations
There are many organizations that provide security grants, and most cover the cost of security cameras as well. If you are unable to find a suitable grant in the federal government’s database, you can reach out to organizations who facilitate such awards. There might be some grants you may not know of, so it is important to explore your options and check all available opportunities. You can apply to multiple grants as long as you have checked their eligibility requirements and have not been awarded a grant already.
Write an application
Once you have selected the grant(s) to apply for, you need to write an application to the concerned authorities. However, there are some specific items to mention in your application. These include:
How do you intend to use the funds?
Make a clear statement of how you will utilize the funds. Enlist all the things that require funding. Give an outline of your plan for your application to get considered.
How will this fund improve your school security program?
Mention the needs of your security system and how you will improve it. It will be more appealing if you mention the desired purchases and upgrades you want to make to improve your existing security program.
Existing school safety infrastructure
Your application must contain the existing school infrastructure so that it can be compared to the upgrades you have mentioned. Facts and figures might help you in achieving the grants. State all the things which are lacking in the existing school safety infrastructure to depict a clear picture of exactly why you need the funds.
Evaluation of the applicants:
School safety planning and efforts
The applications will further be evaluated on the efforts the school has put into strengthening and improving its security. Your efforts and steps towards enhancing the security system will be the basis of your selection for the grants.
Management and implementation plan
Management and implementation plans count no less than the efforts and planning for school’s security. You will only be granted funds if your management and implementation plan will be worth it. You need to explain in detail how you plan to manage the funds and fulfil your security needs.
Tips on Securing Funding from Programs
- Look first for grants that are near you such as local or state grants. This is particularly important if you have limited resources to reach out to government funding programs. There are chances that the amount awarded will be nearly as much or equal to what you’d receive from a federal program.
- It’s important to have arrangements in place for staff and employee recruitment both prior to your application and after you have submitted your proposal. This gives the awarding authorities confidence in your skills to manage a large amount of funds as well as your ability to work well in a team.
- Put some effort in increasing physical security and establishing all that you are capable of prior to applying for any award. Notably, your school should have a good team that is able to carry out the necessary funding activities.
- Make sure you are aware of regional preferences when it comes to federal grants. It’s also worth considering the award amount to ensure that it is adequate for your security enhancement needs.
