Summer deadlines are fast approaching for three federal grant programs that focus on promoting school safety. These grant programs target student-centric and school climate needs based on findings from the final report from the Federal Commission on School Safety, which was ordered in response to the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Fla.
Project Prevent Grant Program
What is it?
Similar to the purposes underlying Pennsylvania’s community violence program grant, this grant provides an opportunity for schools in communities that experience pervasive violence to augment trauma-informed interventions, such as mental health services and conflict resolution programs.
Who can apply?
Local educational agencies, including public school districts and charter schools.
How much funding is available?
- $10 million has been set aside for awards
- The average estimated award size is anticipated to be $500,000
- An estimated 20 awards will be granted
When is the deadline?
Applications are due July 15.
Where is more information on this grant published?
Full application criteria and point allocation information for the Project Prevent Grant Program are available on the federal register website.
School Climate Transformation Grant Program
What is it?
- This grant pairs nicely with Pennsylvania’s recent legislative change requiring trauma-informed policies and training with the goal of making positive changes to overall school climate.
- Funding is available for schools to develop or enhance a multi-tiered system of support framework in order to improve the three domains of school climate: engagement, safety and environment.
Who can apply?
- Local educational agencies, including public school districts and charter schools
- Priority will be assigned to applicants in certain prioritized communities, such as rural communities or school districts that include a Qualified Opportunity Zone under section 1400Z-1 of the Internal Revenue Service Code, as amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
How much funding is available?
- $40 million has been set aside for awards
- The average estimated range of awards is $100,000 to $750,000 per year for up to five years
- An estimated 80 awards will be granted
When is the deadline?
Applications are due July 22.
Where is more information on this grant published?
Full application criteria and point allocation information for the School Climate Transformation Grant Program are available on the federal register website.
Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program
What is it?
The grant program differs from the other grant programs because it funds partnerships between schools and higher education institutions, like colleges and universities, to expand training opportunities for school-based mental health service providers who will eventually be employed in schools.
Who can apply?
High-need local educational agencies that have paired with an eligible institution of higher education to propose a partnership.
How much funding is available?
- $15 million has been set aside for awards
- The average estimated award is anticipated to be $300,000
- An estimated 50 grants will be awarded
When is the deadline?
Applications are due August 5.
Where is more information on this grant published?
Full application criteria and point allocation information for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program are available on the federal register website.
This summary only scratches the surface of each funding opportunity. All of the grant programs are competitive, so applicants must pay strict attention to their respective point allocations in order to maximize their probability of receiving an award. For more details on each program or for assistance crafting an application, please contact any of the attorneys in Barley Snyder’s Education Practice Group.
