The BJA FY25 STOP School Violence Program, managed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the U.S. Department of Justice, aims to enhance safety in K–12 schools through funding to support evidence-based strategies and interventions. This initiative focuses on empowering schools to recognize, respond to, and prevent acts of violence while fostering a positive and inclusive school climate. Funding will be awarded to state and local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations for activities such as implementing behavioral threat assessment teams, establishing anonymous reporting systems, and providing mental health services.

The program is divided into two funding categories. Category one provides funding for state-level projects with a maximum award ceiling of $2,000,000 per project. Category two supports local governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations, offering awards of up to $1,000,000. The total funding available is $83,000,000, and the anticipated period of performance is up to 36 months. Applications will follow a two-step submission process, first through Grants.gov by March 27, 2025, and then through JustGrants by April 3, 2025. Notifications of successful applications are expected by September 30, 2025, with projects set to begin on October 1, 2025.

Eligible activities under this program include training school personnel and students in violence prevention and crisis response, developing multidisciplinary behavioral threat assessment teams, implementing anonymous reporting systems, and supporting school-based mental health services. Additional focus areas include community violence intervention strategies and initiatives to improve school climate. The program also allows for partnerships with community-based organizations and law enforcement to address safety issues comprehensively.

Applications are invited from state and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, independent school districts, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must register with SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and submit detailed proposals including a narrative of project goals, a budget justification, and supporting documents such as letters of support or memoranda of understanding. Proposals must align with the program’s objectives and demonstrate a clear plan for achieving measurable outcomes.

Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, the feasibility and design of the proposed activities, the applicant's capacity to manage federal funds, and the sustainability of the program after the grant period. Successful proposals must address student privacy, data security, and nondiscrimination policies and demonstrate engagement with community stakeholders throughout project implementation.

Post-award requirements include regular financial and performance reporting, compliance with federal regulations, and cooperation with the National Center for School Safety for training and technical assistance. Applicants are encouraged to review all submission guidelines carefully and ensure their proposals meet the stated objectives of the program. Further information and resources are available through the Bureau of Justice Assistance and its designated helpdesk.