Guide to public safety and law enforcement grants in 2024

What are the different types of public safety grant funding?

There are various types of grants available for public safety, spanning federal, state, local and private sources. Examples of public safety grants include:

Department of Justice (DOJ) grants

DOJ grants support a wide range of public safety initiatives, including law enforcement training, crime prevention programs, victim services and community policing efforts. These grants cover a range of criminal justice needs, including private grants for law enforcement, grants for officers, and funding for law enforcement equipment. 

Criminal justice grants and grants for law enforcement – including private grants for law enforcement, grants for law enforcement officers and law enforcement grants for equipment – fall under the purview of DOJ grants. 

Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grants

The BJA grant is a federal grant program launched by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that funds criminal justice initiatives at state and local levels. It supports law enforcement, crime prevention, victim services, justice information sharing and reentry programs. Grants vary based on DOJ priorities, aiding areas such as training, equipment and security technology.

Corrections grants

Corrections grants or correctional facility grants are a subset of grants for criminal justice, which fall within the scope of the DOJ grants. Similar to BJA grants, these grants focus specifically on initiatives and programs within the correctional system, which includes funding for security cameras for jails and prisons, probation, parole and other correctional facilities, as well as efforts to improve rehabilitation of offenders, reentry programs and research. 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants

DHS provides grants to strengthen homeland security and emergency preparedness at the state and local levels. For example, the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) offers funding for terrorism prevention, emergency response and the protection of critical infrastructure with security systems, including traffic monitoring cameras, and other safety initiatives..

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants

FEMA grants refer to funding that supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts. An example of a FEMA grant is the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), which aids fire departments and EMS agencies in purchasing necessary equipment. Another example is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which funds projects to reduce the risk of future disasters.

State and local grants

State and local governments offer grant programs to support public safety initiatives tailored to their specific needs and priorities. These can include funding for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services and community organizations engaged in crime prevention solutions such as street surveillance cameras.

Private and non-profit grants

Private foundations, corporations and nonprofit organizations also provide grant funding for public safety initiatives. These private grants for law enforcement support a wide range of activities, including violence prevention and youth mentoring programs, victim support and community-building efforts. 

Eligibility and requirements for public safety grants and law enforcement grants

The eligibility and requirements for law enforcement and public safety grants vary depending on specific grant programs and funding. However, there are some common considerations, such as: 

• Eligible applicants: Typically, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS, state and local governments, non-profit organizations and educational institutions are eligible for public safety and law enforcement grants. 

• Organizations that align with grant objectives: Applicants will be required to demonstrate how their initiatives and projects align with the goals and priorities of the grant program. For example, crime prevention grants may require applicants to outline strategies for reducing crime rates, implement evidence-based programs and improve community policing efforts. 

• Project scope and impact: When applying for public safety grants, applicants are required to provide a detailed proposal on projects that include objectives, plans of action and timelines. The proposals need to demonstrate the expected impact in improving public safety and emergency response and addressing community needs. 

• Budget and planning: It is a requirement for applicants to develop a comprehensive budget for proposed projects that outlines how grant funds will be allocated, demonstrating financial responsibility, transparency in managing funds and adherence to legal requirements. 

• Partnerships and collaboration: Many public safety and law enforcement grants require collaboration among stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, EMS, fire departments and other relevant entities. Applicants may need to demonstrate the involvement of key partners in planning, implementation and supervision of projects. 

How to find public safety and police grant opportunities

When it comes to finding public safety and law enforcement grant opportunities, it is important to explore a wide range of sources, including federal databases, state agencies and private foundations. Here are some resources to help you find grant opportunities: 

1. Federal grant databases

   • You can search and apply for grants across multiple federal agencies from Grants​.gov and narrow your search by agency, category, and keyword.

   • The Department of Justice (DOJ) Grants offers a variety of grant programs to support public safety and law enforcement initiatives. 

2. State agencies

   • Check the website of your state’s homeland security or emergency management agency for grant opportunities.

   • State-level departments of justice agencies may also offer grant programs to support law enforcement initiatives.

3. Private foundations

   • Candid (formerly Foundation Center) is a comprehensive database of grants, including private foundations that support criminal justice initiatives. You can search for foundation grants by focus area or region.

   • Some corporations offer grant programs that support public safety efforts. Check the websites of major corporations in your area for information on grant opportunities.

4. Subscription services and alerts

   • GrantsAlert: A subscription that provides daily email alerts about new grant opportunities across various sectors, including public safety and law enforcement.

   • GrantStation: The platform offers a database of grant opportunities, as well as grant-writing resources and tools.

5. Networking and professional associations

   • Connect with professional associations, such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) or the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), which may offer grant resources and networking opportunities.

   • Attend conferences, workshops and training events related to public safety, where you can find grant opportunities and connect with potential funders.

6. Local resources

   • Check with local government agencies, community foundations and nonprofit organizations in your area for information on grant opportunities tailored to your community’s needs.

Tips for writing a public safety grant application

The process of writing law enforcement grants and grants for police departments can be divided into three steps: the planning, writing and post-submission phases. 

Planning a public safety grant

1. Research opportunities for grants: Be clear about specific goals, objectives and eligibility criteria of the grant program you’re applying for.

2. Identify community needs: Conduct a security assessment to outline the most crucial public safety issues in your community.

3. Create a plan for projects: Outline your proposed project’s clear goals, objectives, activities, timelines and expected outcomes.

4. Develop a detailed budget: Create a comprehensive budget plan that aligns with the grant requirements, detailing justifications for the requested funds.

5. Collect supporting materials: Gather any necessary documentation, such as letters of support, memoranda of understanding or financial statements. 

Writing a law enforcement grant application

1. State clear objectives: Clearly articulate how your project aligns with the goals and objectives of the grant program.

2. Highlight community impact: Explain how your project will meet specific community needs and improve public safety.

3. Demonstrate feasibility of plan: Provide evidence of your organization’s capacity to successfully implement your plan, including resources, relevant experience and partnerships. 

4. Emphasize partnerships: Focus on collaborations with other organizations and agencies, such as the police and fire departments, and other agencies that can enhance your plan.

5. Spotlight positive outcomes: Clearly define measurable results and indicators to illustrate the effectiveness and impact of your project.

Post-grant application submission

1. Follow-up: Stay in communication with the grant-making agency to provide any clarifications and additional information they may require.

2. Review: The grant-making agency will review your application based on their evaluation criteria and may conduct inspections or site visits.

3. Award notification: If your application is granted, you will receive notification of the grant award, along with any conditions or requirements.

4. Grant management: Manage grant funds and carefully execute the project according to the terms and conditions outlined in the grant agreement.

5. Reporting and evaluation: Provide regular progress reports for the grant-making agency, outlining how funds are used and the impact of the project.

Following these steps will help effectively communicate the value and feasibility of your project, as well as increase the chances of successfully securing public safety grant funding.

Challenges in securing public safety funding and police funding

Securing public safety and law enforcement grants presents several challenges, including intense competition for limited funds and complex application processes. Smaller organizations may also face capacity limitations in developing competitive applications, especially when competing against larger institutions with more resources. Additionally, shifting priorities within grant programs can add complexity to the process. 

To overcome challenges in securing public safety funding, it is important to research opportunities, build partnerships and develop strong grant-writing skills. Searching for a large number of funding sources will help you stay in close contact with people and organizations that can further your cause, and staying adaptable to grant-making agencies’ changing priorities and engaging with policymakers ensure that you stay informed about the latest policy updates. By taking a strategic approach and fostering partnerships, you can boost your ability to secure funding for public safety initiatives.

Best practices for effectively leveraging public safety grants

Following these best practices enables organizations to make the most of public safety and law enforcement grants to address community needs and strengthen public safety: 

1. Efficiently manage grants: Develop clear procedures for managing funds, tracking expenses and reporting. It is also important to allocate resources efficiently and regularly communicate with grant-making agencies.

2. Develop a strategic plan: Ensure that grant-funded projects align with organizational goals and community needs. Create detailed project plans with measurable outcomes and achievable timelines.

3. Ensure compliance: Stay informed about grant regulations, guidelines and reporting deadlines. To stay compliant, maintain accurate records and conduct internal audits. 

4. Monitor performance: Establish systems to monitor project progress, track outcomes and evaluate impact. Use data to make informed decisions and employ feedback to identify areas for improvement. 

5. Ensure sustainability: Develop sustainability plans to ensure the long-term feasibility of programs beyond the grant period. It is also beneficial to seek opportunities to leverage additional funding and build partnerships. 

6. Engage stakeholders: Communicate regularly with key stakeholders, including community members, partner organizations and grant-making agencies throughout the grant process and provide relevant updates. Work closely with stakeholders, ask for feedback and be sure to involve stakeholders in decision-making.

7. Invest in staff professional development: Ensure the availability of training and professional development courses for staff to enhance organizational capacity in grant management. Building internal expertise and fostering a culture of continuous learning can help an organization identify areas for improvement and give staff the tools to address these issues.

8. Maintain transparency: Maintain open communication with grantors, beneficiaries and the public. Provide regular updates on project progress, successes and challenges. 

Key takeaways

Navigating these types of funding entails understanding its complexities, from public safety funding and federal grants for law enforcement requirements to the diverse grant opportunities available, such as DOJ, DHS, and FEMA grants. Alignment with grant objectives is crucial for successful applications, as is efficiently finding resources from federal databases, state agencies and private foundations aiding in grant discovery. 

When it comes to searching for grant opportunities and writing grant applications, staying updated on new opportunities and employing effective grant-writing strategies are paramount. Despite challenges in securing grants, such as competition and limitations in resources, best practices like strategic planning, developing sustainability and transparent communication can optimize how grants are utilized. By executing these practices, organizations can effectively address specific community needs and enhance public safety.