The FY26 COPS School Violence Prevention Program is a grant opportunity to help improve security in schools. It offers funding to states, local governments, tribes, and public agencies to implement evidence-based safety programs. Up to $73 million is available, with individual awards up to $500,000. Applicants must provide a 25% cash match unless a waiver is approved.
Who it's for: This grant is for state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and independent school districts. It's also open to Indian tribes and their public agencies.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a state, local, or tribal government or public agency
- Failure to provide a 25% cash match or obtain a waiver
- Proposing non-evidence-based safety programs
- Missing the application deadline
- Ineligible use of funds
What You May Need
- Proof of eligibility
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan including 25% cash match
- Evidence-based program details
- Organizational financial statements
- Completed application forms
- Match waiver request (if applicable)
- Letters of support from partners
- Documentation of previous related projects
- Registration with federal grant systems
Cautions
- A 25% cash match is required unless waived
- The grant is competitive, with limited awards
- Projects must be evidence-based
- Strict adherence to the application deadline is necessary
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and independent school districts. The grant is also open to Indian tribes and their public agencies. These entities must be able to provide a 25% cash match or have an approved waiver.
Overview
This grant is for state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and independent school districts. It's also open to Indian tribes and their public agencies.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a state, local, or tribal government or public agency
- Failure to provide a 25% cash match or obtain a waiver
- Proposing non-evidence-based safety programs
- Missing the application deadline
- Ineligible use of funds
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to enhance school security through evidence-based safety programs. This may include physical security improvements, training for school personnel, and other measures to prevent violence.
Total Program Funding
$73,000,000
Expected Awards
200
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jun 9, 2026
- Deadline
- Aug 4, 2026(52 days)
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility as a state, local, or tribal government or public agency
- Prepare a detailed project proposal with evidence-based safety measures
- Draft a budget plan including the required 25% cash match
- Gather organizational financial statements
- Complete all required application forms
- Submit a match waiver request if needed
- Obtain letters of support from relevant partners
- Register with necessary federal grant systems
- Submit the application by the deadline