The Ohio Attorney General’s FY25 Program-Based School Safety Grant provides funding to enhance school safety and improve school climate programs through training and equipment. This initiative is managed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with the Director of Education and Workforce and the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The funding supports efforts aimed at preventing and addressing school safety concerns, including active shooter preparedness, mental health training, and the acquisition of safety-related supplies and equipment.

This grant is open to various educational institutions within Ohio, including traditional public schools, chartered non-public schools, community schools, STEM schools, and schools operated by county boards of developmental disabilities that administer special education services. The funding opportunity is structured to ensure that funds are awarded at the district, board, or organizational level rather than individual schools. However, funds awarded to an organization may be used to support programs or purchases at individual school buildings.

Eligible uses of the grant include certification training for school resource officers, active shooter and school safety training or equipment, educational resources for all grade levels, training to identify and assist students with mental health issues, school safety supplies or equipment, and other school safety-related training. Grant recipients must collaborate with local law enforcement, such as county sheriff’s offices or police departments, to develop their school safety programs.

Applications for the grant open on February 3, 2025, and close on May 30, 2025. The funded projects are expected to start on July 1, 2024, and conclude by June 30, 2026. Each eligible school entity can apply for up to $40,000 in funding, which will be distributed until funds are exhausted. There is no matching fund requirement for this grant.

All questions regarding the grant opportunity should be directed to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office via email at SchoolSafetyGrants@OhioAGO.gov. The Attorney General’s Office will oversee the award and distribution process to ensure that funds are used effectively in accordance with state legislation and program requirements.