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Learn if you’re eligible for grant funding, how to apply, and what you can purchase with Michigan’s 2022 School Safety Grant Program
The deadliest shooting on school property this school year happened at Oxford High School in Michigan. The tragedy, like all other school crises, has highlighted how important it is for schools to be prepared for any threat.
Schools can purchase school safety software with the Michigan 2022 School Safety Grant Program. The program’s goal is to improve the safety of students, staff, and school buildings through technology, equipment, and hardening measures.
We breakdown who can apply and how schools can use the funds below.
Who can apply for Michigan’s School Safety Grant Program and how?
This competitive grant is open to Michigan public schools, nonpublic schools, school districts, and independent school districts (ISDs). A few rules to keep in mind:
- If you’re a school district or ISD, you must submit an application for one or more buildings that have some or all K-12 classrooms and students (e.g., you cannot include administration offices, transportation buildings, etc.)
- For individual schools, you can submit a separate application, but your building cannot be included in a district or ISD application. Per the grant guidelines, if your building is included in a district or ISD application, their application will supersede yours, regardless of the date/time of submission.
There are also requirements specifically around emergency operations plans (EOP), including:
- Applicants must demonstrate that they have an EOP that aligns with Michigan’s EOP Guidance and MCL 380.1308.
- The EOP must have been updated since the 2020-2021 school year.
- A law enforcement official, emergency management official, and the applicant’s authorized official must review the EOP.
- Public schools, school districts, public school academies, and ISDs must notify the Michigan Department of Education of their EOP in the MEGS+ system.
Although previous grant recipients can apply, preference is given to schools that have not previously received funding from the Michigan State Police.
Schools must submit a completed and signed application by 12:00 PM EDT on Thursday, March 24, 2022. It’s strongly encouraged to submit before the deadline, as MSP will not grant extensions.
How much money can schools receive from Michigan’s School Safety Grant Program?
Applications can receive up to $50,000 for any one eligible school building and up to $250,000 per district or ISD. To receive the $250,000 maximum, districts and ISDs must apply for funding that will be used in at least five buildings.
If schools within a district or ISD submit separate applications, the $50,000 per school and $250,000 maximum per district still applies. The MSP will take the combined total of those individual schools and will not provide any funds over $250,000.
The grants are funded on a reimbursement basis, which means the school or district has already paid for the eligible expenditures. All documentation, such as invoices and reimbursement requests, must be submitted to the MSP by July 30, 2023. Awardees can receive up to five reimbursements during the grant period.
How can schools use the Michigan School Safety Grant funds?
Schools can use funds to purchase panic alarms and duress systems that notify law enforcement and emergency dispatch of crises. The system must have remote or wireless activation that includes location capabilities. Funds can also be used to enhance communication with law enforcement and first responders. Schools can maximize their chances of award by choosing one system that accomplishes all these requirements, such as Raptor Alert.
Screening visitors is also critical and your first line of defense. Schools can purchase Raptor Visitor Management to use within their secure vestibules or front office. Raptor screens each visitor against the sex offender registries in all 50 U.S. states and custom databases—like those with custodial restrictions or banned access—that the school manages.
There are many other eligible expenditures, including trauma supplies, door locks, security cameras, windows, and doors. Please review the grant guidelines for additional information.
Projects funded under this program must be completed not later than July 1, 2023.
How can I improve my chances of receiving Michigan School Safety Grants?
Raptor provides integrated visitor, volunteer, and emergency management software that can give you complete control over your school security. When you purchase Raptor, you also receive free age-appropriate Active Shooter Training from Safe Kids, Inc.
To learn how to apply for grants, download our Guide to K-12 Safety Grants or talk to a funding specialist today.
