COPS SVPP Grant Now Open to Fund School Safety Initiatives
The School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)—from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)—opened for applications on April 24. This is a competitive, two-part grant with the following key deadlines:
Part 1: Grants.gov – June 18, 2025 | Part 2: JustGrants.gov – June 26, 2025
Award announcements are expected in September, with a start date of October 1, 2025.
SVPP typically funds about 50% of applicants, with awards of up to $500,000 per district and a 25% cost-share requirement. Projects may include security equipment, technology of all types and training for faculty, threat assessment teams, School Resource Officers (SROs) and law enforcement responders. Funding can be used over a three-year implementation period, with minimal quarterly reporting requirements.
SVVP Grant Goals and Objectives
The overall goal is to improve security at schools and on school grounds through the implementation of evidence-based school safety programs and technology. Equipment, training and coordination with law enforcement may all qualify. Specific SVPP objectives include:
- Improved information sharing with local law enforcement
- Increased interaction and improved communication between law enforcement and school officials
- Reduced notification times to law enforcement, improved response times and more accurate identification and follow-up
- Increased knowledge of and use of community policing principles
- Increased school safety and long-term sustainability planning
Many Boxlight Solutions Align With This Grant
The list of allowable items includes several solutions that Boxlight and integrated technologies provide:
- Communication technology
- Intercom or public address (PA) systems
- Panic and immediate alarm notification systems
- Emergency alerts (automated text messages or email)
- Emergency call boxes
- Two-way radios
- Security cameras and related systems
- Identification technology (ID scanning devices and accessories)
- Laptops (directly related to SVPP)
- Maps of schools/bus routes (GIS software)
- Printers (directly related to SVPP)
How the GAP Program Works
The Grants Assistance Program is designed to support schools and districts throughout the entire funding process—at no cost to you. Here’s how we help districts secure funding for important safety initiatives:
Identify Goals: We discuss school or district needs and align them with potential grants.
Research Funding: We match goals to specific grant opportunities.
Create Estimates: We collaborate to develop project costs that meet grant criteria.
Grant Application: We assist with abstracts, documentation, submission and compliance.
Award and Onboarding: If funded, we stay involved to support onboarding and ensure compliance.
Let’s Keep Moving Forward
Despite ongoing funding uncertainties, we remain optimistic. There’s no reason to scale back efforts to pursue grants—especially when programs like SVPP are available to support critical needs.
