2025

We wanted to share an important update regarding the Bureau of Justice Assistance STOP School Violence Grant and other federal funding opportunities.

At this time, the BJA has announced that their school funding opportunities and associated webinars are currently paused. This is a temporary pause; we have not received any indication that funding opportunities will be canceled—just delayed for the time being.

“At this time, the BJA FY25 STOP School Violence Program Notice of Funding Opportunity and associated webinars are paused. Please check back to to keep up to date on future notices of funding opportunities and webinar postings.” – Bureau of Justice Assistance

While we wait for further updates, this pause offers a unique opportunity to prepare ahead—giving you more time to gather information, refine your grant strategy, and explore how to make the most of upcoming funding when it becomes available.

---

Our team is here to help you

• Strategize around school safety goals and initiatives

• Identify opportunities to align your needs with future funding

• Build a strong foundation for grant applications

We’ll continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, feel free to reach out—we’d love to support your efforts in making schools safer.

---

Let’s start the conversation now so you’re ready when funding opens back up.

Grant writing can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can craft a compelling proposal that increases your chances of success. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through key steps to building a strong grant application.

---

Before You Write: Understanding the Process

First and foremost, grants are not free money—they are investments in solving real problems. It’s easy to chase funding opportunities, but avoid losing focus on your organization’s priorities—your grant should align with your goals, not create unnecessary work.

One of the most critical steps is thoroughly reading the Request for Proposal (RFP). Some requirements—such as matching funds—may not be obvious at first glance but could determine your eligibility. Save yourself the time and frustration of discovering ineligibility after putting in the hard work of writing.

---

Start with the Budget

A well-thought-out budget should guide your grant proposal. Knowing how you plan to spend the funds will shape your narrative. Every activity outlined in your work plan should be reflected in your budget—otherwise, you risk either:

• Writing yourself into an unfunded mandate (where you’ve promised to do work but lack the resources to support it)
• Realizing you can actually achieve your goals without needing the grant

---

Crafting the Need Section

The Need Section is often where grants are won or lost. Here’s where you outline the problem your project will address. The key is to highlight the issue without making your organization look incapable of managing funds.

Be intentional about how you frame your needs. For example, if a grant does not allow funds to be used for staff salaries, avoid making the case solely about needing more personnel. Instead, highlight how additional training or technology—eligible expenses—could improve efficiency and achieve the same goal. Always support your claims with data from multiple credible sources to strengthen your proposal.

---

Building a Strong Work Plan

This section details how you will implement the project, and it should be both clear and flexible. Use phrases like “such as” to leave room for adjustments while staying within the grant’s scope. Never find yourself asking “Now what?” after winning a grant—plan the details internally before applying.

If applicable, strong letters of support from stakeholders, community leaders, or beneficiaries can add credibility to your request.

---

Defining Measurable Outcomes

Grant funders expect clear, measurable outcomes—so how will you demonstrate success? Reviewing past performance reports can help you understand what metrics funders prioritize. Your outcomes should be specific, data-driven, and achievable. For example:

• Improving school safety by reducing response times to emergencies by 15% through enhanced communication tools
• Increasing teacher participation in professional development programs from 50 to 75 educators within a year
• Boosting student engagement by raising average attendance rates from 88% to 93% over the course of a semester

If defining exact numbers is challenging, structuring your goals within a timeline can also provide a clear roadmap for progress and accountability.

---

Evaluation & Sustainability

Your proposal should include a clear plan for evaluating effectiveness. Consider both formative (ongoing) and summative (final) evaluations, using both qualitative and quantitative data.

The sustainability section is often the hardest to answer—how will you continue funding this project once the grant runs out? Having a well-thought-out strategy for long-term impact will strengthen your application.

---

After You’ve Been Awarded the Grant

Securing a grant is an exciting milestone, but the real work starts now. To ensure a smooth implementation:

• Thoroughly review the Grant Award Notification (GAN) to understand all requirements and restrictions.
• Record important deadlines for reporting and project completion to stay on track.
• Make sure the right person signs and submits all required documents promptly.
• Organize your budget immediately and revisit your grant proposal to confirm alignment with the approved funding.

---

Essential Tips for a Strong Grant Application

• Keep your grants team informed—they may have insights on additional funding opportunities.
• Get a second pair of eyes on your proposal to catch errors and ensure clarity before submission.
• Handle federal grant registrations early to avoid last-minute issues that could delay your application.

By following these steps, you can confidently approach grant writing and improve your chances of securing the funding needed to make a real impact. 

These tips were crafted with the guidance and knowledge of Jessica Harrison – Director of Grants Development for Northwest Shoals Community College.

---

Check out our recent webinar “Funding School Safety: Insights on the STOP Grant Process”

Want to know more about how nSide can help?

Email us: help@nside.io

Call us: 1-800-604-1822