Attention Idahoans: Secure Our Future Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Phase One of the program will offer up to $20,000 in one-time, per-school grants. The application deadline is Oct. 15.
Photo: creative soul, Adobe Stock
Idaho schools can now apply for $20 million in grant funding through the Securing Our Future Grant Program, and districts could start to see the funds as early as July.
The SOF Grant Program is a school safety partnership initiative between the Governor’s Office, the Idaho Legislature, and the Idaho State Board of Education. Lawmakers approved the funding during the 2023 legislative session, and Idaho’s Office of School Safety and Security (IOS3) has been working to accelerate the application and distribution process, according to Idaho Education News.
“We know that summer days are precious for schools to accomplish projects,” said program manager Mike Munger. “We want to make sure that we can get this money out into the hands of school districts to be able to start those projects as soon as they can.”
Districts have until Oct. 15 to apply for the first phase of funding which will offer up to $20,000 in one-time, per-school grants. Districts with additional needs exceeding $20,000 can combine their per-school allotment and distribute it as they see fit.
“Schools will use vulnerabilities identified in their latest Idaho Office of School Safety and Security Vulnerability Assessment Report to determine their grant project/equipment needs. The project/equipment should be meaningful, durable, and demonstrated effective, in order to eliminate or mitigate the identified vulnerability,” says the application. “This is a one-time appropriation commencing on July 1, 2023, and ending on June 30, 2024.”
View the application here.
SOC proposals must fall into one of the following school safety categories:
- Access control: Includes securing perimeters, installing door looks or single point-of-entry systems, and improving visitor control
- Communications: Includes implementing two-way radio systems or improving public communication
- Life safety systems: Includes fire alarms and other potentially life-saving alerts
- Surveillance: Includes new or upgraded camera systems
Since the grants are one-time allocations, the state encourages districts to avoid putting the grants toward personnel or multi-year projects that would require ongoing funds.
With a projected $4 million in leftover funds, the state will move into the second phase of school safety grants later this year. For more information, check out the Office of School Safety and Security’s grant FAQ.
Not from Idaho? At any point, you can search for currently available grants in your state through SchoolSafety.gov’s grant finder tool.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century
This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!
