Ohio Schools Can Now Apply for a Share of $9 Million in Safety Grants

COLUMBUS, Ohio — School leaders across Ohio, including districts throughout Northeast Ohio, can now apply for a share of $9.01 million in school safety grants. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced the funding today. The money covers safety projects for the 2027-28 academic year. The 136th General Assembly approved the funding as part of House Bill 96. Schools can use it for a wide range of safety needs. “Protecting our schools takes teamwork, resources and readiness,” Wilson said. “The technology and training funded by these grants will strengthen security across Ohio’s classrooms, supporting a safe environment where students can thrive. We are proud to work alongside the Ohio School Safety Center to provide resources that keep our kids safe.” What the Money Can Pay For The program gives school leaders flexibility to decide how to improve student safety. Approved uses include: Certification training for school resource officers Active shooter response training or equipment Educational resources for all grade levels Training to identify and help students with mental health issues Safety supplies or equipment, including items for carrying out a school safety plan Systems that give responding law enforcement immediate camera access Silent panic alarms Gunshot detection technology License plate reader alerts for vehicles belonging to registered sex offenders Alert systems warning of wanted dangerous individuals Any other training related to school safety Two Grants Available to Every District Every school district in Ohio is eligible. Districts can apply for one grant or both. The formula based grant awards $2,500 per organization or $4.50 per student, whichever is greater. For example, a district with 1,000 students would qualify for $4,500. A smaller district would receive the $2,500 minimum. The program based grant offers up to $40,000 per organization. District size does not matter for this grant. Apply Early Both grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis until the money runs out. That means early applications matter. The final deadline is May 28. Districts can apply through the Ohio School Safety Center and the Ohio Grants Portal. Applicants should select “Funding Opportunities.” From there, choose either “Ohio Attorney General’s FY27 Formula Based School Safety Grant” or “Ohio Attorney General’s FY27 Program Based School Safety Grant.” Questions about the grants can be sent to SchoolSafetyGrants@OhioAGO.gov .