Top-of-the-line safety and mental health support should be a goal for every school. However, achieving these essential goals can be a complex challenge.
One of the most significant obstacles in promoting student well-being is securing adequate funding. Fortunately, there are various funding opportunities available that can help schools move closer to realizing these critical objectives.
A highly effective way to support your school’s safety and mental health initiatives is through grant applications. Numerous grants are currently available to help schools. This article will highlight how to find currently available grants for school safety and mental health.
Finding Grants for School Safety and Mental Health
School administrators seeking funding for safety and mental health initiatives have several grant opportunities available. Two currently active federal grants accepting applications:
USA School Safety and Emergency Response Plan Grant This grant provides both short and long-term funding to restore and repair learning environments after major safety disruptions. Schools can use funds to implement new security measures and recovery plans.
Student Mental Health Programs Grant Available to public and private schools nationwide, this grant supports the development and enhancement of student mental health programs and services.
Beyond these active grants, schools can find additional funding opportunities through:
- GrantWatch.com – Maintains an updated database of education and safety grants
- Green Lights Grant Initiative (greenlightsgrantinitiative.org) – Specializes in school safety funding programs
- U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools – Offers periodic grant competitions
- State education agencies – Many provide school safety grant programs
- Local education foundations – Often fund school security improvements
To maximize chances of securing funding, schools should:
- Monitor multiple grant sources regularly
- Prepare key documentation in advance
- Build relationships with potential funders
- Consider combining multiple funding sources for larger projects
Contact your state’s Department of Education for guidance on available grant programs in your area. Grant opportunities change frequently, so maintaining current information is essential for successful applications.
Ways to Invest in School Safety
Earning a grant is just the starting point. Once you have funds available to you, it’s time to put them to good use.
Physical Security Systems
Our SmartBoot System® transforms school safety through interconnected components:
- The Boot® reinforces any door and withstands up to 16,000 pounds of force. Requiring no fine motor skills, staff can deploy it in seconds.
- Ballistic Shields made from 2mm aluminum provide reinforced protection for windows and glass surfaces. Their specialized design creates razor-sharp edges at bullet impact points, deterring further entry attempts.
- SmartLights flash red during lockdowns, green for all-clear, and orange in secure mode. They connect to the system via Bluetooth for instant building-wide alerts.
- First responders identify rooms fast with 3D Rapid Response Placards. These reflective signs ensure visibility in low-lighting conditions.
Real-World Training
Grants cover hands-on training programs taught by emergency management specialists and criminal justice professionals:
- Students can practice SmartBoot System® lockdowns in age-appropriate drills. Elementary kids learn lockdown safety procedures from Bobby The Boot.
- Armed Assailant Training simulates reality-based scenarios in your building, equipping you with practical solutions for emergencies and daily preparedness. Local police help craft protocols matching your facility’s specific needs.
- Staff learn life-saving strategies in Workplace Violence C.A.R.E sessions. They face simulated scenarios in controlled conditions, strengthening stress response management for real emergencies.
- Evacuation and Reunification Training helps coordinate school administrators, students, teachers, parents, and first responders utilizing comprehensive drills and practical reunification strategies.
Setup and Support
Professional implementation and continuous monitoring of The SmartBoot System® ensure proper system function and student and staff safety:
- Expert installation of steel floor sleeves for The Boot®
- SmartBox installation ensures immediate access
- Staff mobile alert configuration
- Custom emergency plans based on building layout
- Routine testing of all components
Funds used on both hardware and training create comprehensive security plans for safer facilities. Equip your staff and students with the essential tools to respond to any emergency using The SmartBoot System®
Get the Best Security Products for Your Facility from The LockOut Company
Another effective approach to enhancing school safety and mental health is to invest in cutting-edge security technologies and solutions. Combining preparedness and training with industry-leading security technology makes your school as prepared as possible for any emergency scenario. At The LockOut Company, we offer a wide range of security tools and devices that will give your facility peace of mind during emergency situations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support the health and safety of your facility.
