Transforming School Safety with the COPS SVPP Grant: Insights and Strategies

COPS SVPP is now accepting applications for 2024

• Eligibility: School districts, school boards, including public charter schools and school districts with a single school
  • Not Eligible: Individual schools not operating as school districts;  Independent schools and private schools, including private charter schools
• Deadline to Apply: Applications will be submitted in a two-step process, each with its own deadline.
  • Grants.gov deadline is June 11, 2024
  • JustGrants deadline is June 17, 2024
    
    

 

The COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) is a lifeline for schools seeking to enhance their security measures. Last year, over $73 million was distributed to school districts. Is your school eligible for grant funding? Read on to find out more. 

The aim of the SVPP grant is to improve security at schools and on school grounds through evidence-based school safety programs. 

For so many districts, the conversation about school safety is evolving, becoming increasingly multifaceted, blending the physical with the digital, and requiring a concerted effort from various stakeholders. 

The school safety landscape keeps shifting, where responsibilities increasingly fall on the shoulders of IT and educational leaders. In order to stay ahead of security threats, it’s imperative schools take on a proactive, data-driven approach to school safety planning. 

This shift is driven by the interconnectedness of physical security measures with technology infrastructure, necessitating a collaborative approach to ensure effective implementation and management of safety protocols.

During a recent webinar (watch the webinar below) hosted by Bluum, a panel of experts shared their insights on enhancing school safety, emphasizing the critical nature of integrating technology with traditional safety measures. 

 

To receive timely updates about the grant, be sure to sign up for Bluum’s SVPP Grant Newsletter, as we will share updates in real-time, along with tips. You will also receive our SVPP Grant Guide to help you navigate the grant process.

 

Free 15-Minute Grant Funding Consultation: Our Education Services team is here to help support your efforts. They are offering free consultations to discuss your grant application and to answer any questions you may have.

SVPP Grant Eligibility and Requirements

Project Goals: Applications are typically evaluated based on their potential impact on improving school safety, the alignment with evidence-based safety programs, and other factors such as the financial need of the applicant and the feasibility of the project.

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Eligibility Requirements: The grant is usually available to state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies, school districts, and public and private elementary and secondary schools. There are specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet, which can include the type of institution (e.g., public schools, public charter schools) and the role of the applicant (e.g., law enforcement agencies partnering with schools).

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Use of Funds: Funds can be used for a variety of purposes to enhance school safety. Common uses include the implementation of physical security measures (such as secure doors, windows, and metal detectors), technology for improved emergency response, training for staff and students on violence prevention, and the development and operation of anonymous reporting systems for threats of school violence.

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Matching Requirement: Many federal grants, including the SVPP, often require a local match. Districts are eligible for up to $500,000 available per award. This is an opportunity to fund evidence-based safety programs and technology that will make schools safer for everyone. For instance, the SVPP grant might require the grantee to provide a match of 25% of the total project cost, meaning the federal funds will cover 75% of the total costs, and the grantee is responsible for the remaining 25%.

Vulnerability Assessment: Applicants might be required to conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment in collaboration with local law enforcement or other security professionals. This assessment helps to identify potential security gaps and informs the development of a strategic plan to address identified needs.

Community and Law Enforcement Partnership: A significant aspect of the SVPP is the emphasis on collaboration between schools and local law enforcement agencies. Applicants are often required to demonstrate this partnership in their application, outlining how law enforcement will be involved in the project's planning and implementation phases.

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Reporting and Evaluation: Grantees are usually required to report on their progress and outcomes. This can include financial reporting, updates on the implementation of funded projects, and evaluations of the project's impact on school safety.

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Compliance with Federal Regulations: The SVPP grant recipients must comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations, including those related to civil rights, data privacy, and procurement processes.

Free 15-Minute Grant Funding Consultation: Our Education Services team is here to help support your efforts. They are offering free consultations to discuss your grant application and to answer any questions you may have.

Conducting Physical Threat Assessments

The panelists underscored the importance of conducting thorough physical threat assessments, involving a diverse group of stakeholders, and leveraging technology to enhance security measures while ensuring the privacy and well-being of students and staff.

As school safety continues to be a paramount concern, the insights from this webinar offer valuable guidance for educational leaders navigating the complexities of securing their institutions against evolving threats. The panelists also highlighted the need to develop a blueprint for effectively leveraging technology, stakeholder engagement, and federal resources to enhance the safety and well-being of students and staff. Be sure to watch the webinar. 

Webinar Panelists:

Emily Cook, VP of Educational Services at Bluum

Dr. Andrea Tejedor an Education Strategist at Bluum with a wealth of experience in strategic planning for school safety.

Alison Rossi leads Bluum’s offerings team, focusing on curating technology solutions for education.

Yurika Meziab, a Bluum grants and Funding Specialist has expertise in navigating the complex world of educational grants and funding.

Sign up for our SVPP newsletter to stay informed and receive timely updates about the grant.

Together, we can create safer, more secure learning environments for our children.

Free 15-Minute Grant Funding Consultation: Our Education Services team is here to help support your efforts. They are offering free consultations to discuss your grant application and to answer any questions you may have.

About Bluum

Bluum is committed to supporting educational institutions in their mission to create safer learning environments through strategic planning, technology integration, and access to critical funding resources.

At Bluum, we go beyond upgrading your tech; we're your allies in crafting an educational future where technology elevates every student's learning experience. 

We're passionate about turning yesterday's gadgets into today's learning tools, working hand-in-hand with school districts to harness the power of K-12 technology for remarkable student outcomes. Contact Bluum today to find out how we can help your District or School.

Our experts are ready to introduce you to the latest in K-12 tailored innovations, ensuring your decisions pave the way for a brighter educational future of tomorrow.

Bluum’s Offerings:

• AV & Device Solutions
• Comprehensive Warranties
• Seamless Integrations & Project Management
• Competitive Buyback Programs
• Dedicated Tech Support
• Advanced Cybersecurity & Networking
• Cutting-edge STEM Labs & Esports
• Expert Educational Advisory Services
• Robust Physical Security Measures
• Functional Educational Furniture

Contact Bluum today to find out how we can help your District or School.