Important Update: BJA Office Pauses School Funding Opportunity
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.
Funding School Safety: Strategies for a Successful Application
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
Webinar – The Power of Relationships in School SafetyWebinar ft. John & Heather Calvert
Explore how fostering strong relationships among school staff, students, and law enforcement can enhance overall school safety! Join us as we discuss practical strategies for building trust, improving communication, and creating a supportive environment that prioritizes both safety and well-being.
Who Should Attend the 2024 nSide School Safety Summit?
School safety is an ongoing and critical issue in education that requires a multifaceted approach. It is not enough to rely on just one individual or department to address this concern; rather, everyone within a school or district must take part in this mission. At nSide, we understand how daunting and intimidating the process may seem. The nSide School Safety Summit is designed to help your district take those first steps. By bringing together key players in this year’s summit, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest safety measures and network with other professionals in the field.
Who Are the Key Players?
School Administrators: These dedicated professionals are the driving force behind shaping the policies and procedures that govern school safety. Their leadership is pivotal in creating a safe environment for all.
Safety Coordinators: These experts specialize in risk assessment, emergency planning, and crisis management. They are essential in developing and fine-tuning safety protocols.
Technology Coordinators: Technology plays a critical role in school safety. Coordinators oversee the implementation and maintenance of security systems and communication tools.
Facilities Managers: Ensuring the physical safety of school buildings falls into the hands of the facilities managers. They typically oversee maintenance, structural integrity, and safety upgrades.
School Nurses: These medical professionals are the first responders to health-related issues and emergencies within schools, making their presence indispensable.
School Counselors: In addition to their counseling roles, they often serve as a critical support system for students dealing with personal issues or crises.
School Resource Officers: SROs are law enforcement officers specifically trained to work in schools, promoting safety and positive relationships between students and law enforcement.
Mental Health Professionals: As mental health challenges in schools continue to rise, having dedicated professionals on hand to address these issues is essential for a holistic approach to safety.
Transportation Directors: Ensuring the safety of students during their commute to and from school is a top priority, and transportation directors play a crucial role in this regard.
Local Emergency Services: Firefighters, paramedics, local law enforcement, and other emergency personnel provide support during crises and help schools prepare for a wide range of contingencies. These collaborative efforts are vital for addressing potential threats and ensuring a rapid response in emergencies.
Communication Directors: Communications professionals play a critical role in school safety by ensuring clear, timely, and accurate communication during a crisis. At the 2024 nSide School Safety Summit, you’ll gain valuable insights into crisis communication strategies, collaborate with safety professionals, and learn how to strengthen your district’s safety plans. Your ability to communicate effectively can make all the difference in protecting students, staff, and the broader community.
Your Role Matters!
The nSide School Safety Summit presents a unique opportunity for all these key players to come together, connect, learn, and contribute to the collective effort of creating safer educational environments for all.
Whether you’re a school administrator, a safety coordinator, a counselor, or any other stakeholder, your role in school safety is pivotal.
Ensuring the safety of students and staff is a collective responsibility. Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of the solution. Your presence at the summit can make a significant difference in shaping the future of school safety. Together, we can create an environment where education can thrive.
Early Bird Registration prices end October 1st, meaning, if you register before October 1st, registration is $250; if you register on or after October 1st, the cost of attendance is $300. Register today to claim your spot!
Want to know more about how nSide can help?
Email us: help@nside.io
Call us: 1-800-604-1822
Webinar – The Importance of Behavioral Threat Assessments ft. Lt. Craig Parker
In this insightful and action-packed webinar, Grace Anne Watkins and Bree Barksdale are joined by Lieutenant Craig Parker, Commander of the Behavioral Intervention Team with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, to discuss the crucial role of behavioral threat assessment in keeping schools and communities safe.
nSide Announces Leadership Transition to Fuel Continued Growth
nSide - The School Safety Platform, a leader in providing comprehensive safety solutions for schools, is excited to announce a mission partnership with The I “Love U Guys” Foundation, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to school safety and crisis response. By combining their strengths, these two leading industry players aim to significantly enhance the safety of schools nationwide.
2024 Back to School Series: Incorporating Students Into School Safety
Ensuring student safety on school premises is our top priority. By actively involving students from elementary to high school in safety initiatives, we can cultivate a strong sense of responsibility and awareness, building a more vigilant and secure school community.
In this blog, you'll discover practical strategies for integrating students into safety protocols, along with engaging activities and educational resources designed to make safety a shared mission among your students.