The FY26 School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) is now accepting applications, offering schools and local governments an opportunity to secure federal funding for projects that enhance campus safety and emergency preparedness. The application period closes Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 4:59 PM ET, making this an ideal time for eligible organizations to begin planning if they haven’t already.
The SVPP is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and supports evidence-based strategies that help schools prevent violence, improve emergency response capabilities, and create safer learning environments.
Eligible Projects May Include:
- Access control systems and secure entrances
- Security cameras and surveillance systems
- Emergency notification and communication systems
- Visitor management systems
- Coordination with local law enforcement
- Security assessments and planning
- Other physical security improvements designed to prevent school violence
Funding Highlights
- Up to $500,000 per award
- Approximately $73 million available nationwide
- Standard awards require a 25% local cash match (waivers may be available for qualifying applicants)
- Microgrant opportunities are also available for eligible rural, tribal, and low-resourced communities.
Beyond Physical Security
While many schools focus on physical security improvements, it’s equally important to ensure staff have immediate access to emergency procedures during an incident. Quick-reference emergency guides, badge backers, and offline emergency response resources help ensure that critical information is available when every second counts—even if computers, networks, or internet access are unavailable.
If your district is pursuing school safety funding, GCC would be happy to provide sample emergency preparedness resources, discuss available solutions, and answer questions as you develop your project plans.
For all the details visit the DOJ COPS Site at: https://cops.usdoj.gov/svpp
