Current Status of Grant Funding

The recent temporary government shutdown has caused significant uncertainty for schools that hold current grants, as well as those that are considering applying for future funding. Although the administration reversed its initial position, it remains committed to reviewing all funding allocations to ensure alignment with new policy directions.

Schools are also navigating broader economic concerns, such as unresolved tariff policies and ongoing uncertainties around future funding levels for critical federal agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and the Department of Education (DOE). While historical patterns suggest these funding streams are likely to continue, at this point no definitive path forward has been established.

Budget Policy Changes

A budget policy change approved by the House—by only one vote—will enable significant restructuring of projected budgets for fiscal year 2025 and beyond. However, funding already approved in the prior fiscal year remains secure for the current period. It's important to recognize that ongoing policy evaluations will affect how these funds are allocated and distributed in the future.

Despite these uncertainties, our outlook remains optimistic. We continue to encourage schools and districts to actively pursue available grant funding, especially when conventional funding sources are insufficient.

Current Grant Opportunities

FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) 2025

• Purpose: Supports safety and security improvements in nonprofit schools.
• Funding Available: Up to $200,000 per building (maximum of 3 buildings).
• Eligible Expenses: Safety and security equipment, training, and related services.
• Deadline: Varies by state; Texas applications due to state administrator by March 13, 2025. North Carolina and Utah recently announced funding webcasts, with other states to follow.
• Award Notification: Begins April 2025, with grant funding available through September 2028.

If your nonprofit school or district would like help applying, please contact us immediately so we can assist with your state's unique application process. For Texas applicants, additional details can be found at eGrants Texas. A helpful pre-application guide (using 2024 guidelines as a reference) is available here.

Upcoming Grant Opportunities

School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) – DOJ/OJP/BJA/COPS

Important Update: BJA, OJP, COPS, and DPJ have all recently delayed or postponed announcements for this critical funding. SVPP provides up to $500,000 total, distributed over a three-year period, to support safety improvements for K-12 public school districts and independent schools. Although the funds can be spent immediately upon award, implementation and compliance will be monitored throughout the three-year period. No definitive announcement or timeline has been provided yet. We will provide updates as available.

All Boxlight solutions and our partner offerings align exceptionally well with current and upcoming federal, state, and local grant programs, particularly:

• Warning screens and alert systems
• Audio enhancement and communication solutions
• Integrated security solutions

Our technology specifically aligns with:

• DOJ School Violence Prevention initiatives
• FEMA Nonprofit School Safety Programs
• NSF/DOD and various state educational technology and security grants

The GAP Program: Free Resource to Help Schools Secure Funding

We provide comprehensive, no-cost support throughout the entire grant process to help you:

• Identify goals and define the specific needs and objectives of each school or district.
• Match these clearly defined goals with suitable grant funding opportunities.
• Collaboratively develop precise project budgets tailored to grant requirements.
• Prepare grant application abstracts, documentation, submission and compliance materials.
• Facilitate onboarding and compliance administration to ensure effective implementation.

Once goals and funding needs are identified, we handle the entire grant application process, keeping you informed every step of the way. If this sounds like something that would help your school or district, please get in touch.