Introduction
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, offers funding and resources to K-12 schools to improve safety and security. The COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) Grant provides funds to local governments, including school districts. As the first stage of the SVPP Grant deadline approaches on June 11, 2024, districts have the opportunity to enhance their safety measures with funding that covers up to 75% of the costs.
In this post, we explore how you can access these funds and why you might consider including Vivi in your school’s security strategy.
What is the COPS SVPP Grant?
The COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) Grant, funded under the 2018 STOP School Violence Act, is designed to improve school safety. It provides essential funds for implementing evidence-based safety measures and cutting-edge technology. Each award covers three years and provides up to 75% funding for the following K-12 school safety measures:
- Coordination and information sharing with local law enforcement and schools
- Training for local law enforcement officers for student violence prevention
- Deterrent measures, such as locks, lighting or metal detectors
- Technology to improve law enforcement response times
- Overall school safety efforts
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include local governments, police departments, school districts, independent school districts, and public boards of education.
How to apply for the COPS SVPP Grant
Applying for the COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) Grant is a two-step process that requires careful preparation and adherence to deadlines.
Here is a step-by-step guide based on the most current information:
1. Pre-application preparation:
- Ensure your organization is registered with the SAM (System for Award Management) at www.sam.gov, as this is necessary for grants.gov registration.
- Familiarize yourself with the SVPP funding opportunity on the COPS SVPP page.
2. Application submission steps:
- Step 1: Submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL through Grants.gov by June 11, 2024, 4:59 PM ET.
- Step 2: Complete and submit the full application package via JustGrants by June 17, 2024, 4:59 PM ET.
3. Evaluation and award process:
- Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with the grant’s goals, their impact on school safety, and the feasibility of the proposed project. This includes the integration of technology and physical security measures, training, and collaboration with law enforcement.
- The grant review process will consider how well the project fulfills SVPP’s objectives and the applicant’s adherence to the solicitation guidelines.
4. Post-submission:
- After submission, applications undergo a comprehensive review. Funding decisions typically consider the project’s potential impact, readiness, and alignment with SVPP goals.
- Applicants should prepare for a vulnerability assessment as part of their proposal, outlining security gaps and strategic responses in partnership with local law enforcement.
5. Award management:
- If awarded, grantees will manage their grant through JustGrants and should prepare for the required local match of 25%, as federal funds will cover up to 75% of the total project costs.
For detailed information on each step and additional resources, visit the COPS Office How To Apply page. Ensure you also check the specific requirements and resources available for the SVPP application process, as these can provide crucial support for submitting a successful application.
Purchasing Vivi with grant funds
Vivi’s emergency notification system is designed to create safer learning environments by delivering visual alerts quickly and reliably to any connected display across your campus. When an emergency strikes, every second counts, and Vivi can deliver critical information to every classroom and common area instantly, regardless of the display technology in use.
Key features of Vivi’s emergency notification system include:
- Integrates seamlessly via API with popular emergency management systems, including Raptor Technologies, Audio Enhancement, Centegix, and InformaCast, to trigger notifications automatically in Vivi.
- Provides clear, visual messaging that increases the situational awareness of anyone who might be on campus.
- Can be customized and configured to meet your school’s emergency protocols.
- Takes over screens in an emergency and wakes sleeping panels to ensure your emergency alerts reach their intended audience.
Learn more about our Visual Emergency Alerts today
Enhance your school’s safety with Vivi and the SVPP Grant
Ready to elevate your school’s security measures? Contact a Vivi specialist today to explore how our technology can be funded through the SVPP Grant to enhance your school’s safety strategies.
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