FY26 COPS School Violence Prevention Program

The COPS School Violence Prevention Program is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the U.S. Department of Justice. This federal program supports the advancement of community policing practices by providing financial and technical assistance to state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies. The program is authorized under the STOP School Violence Act of 2018 and reflects a national priority to improve safety in educational environments through coordinated, evidence-based strategies. The funding opportunity is designed to enhance school security infrastructure and strengthen collaboration between schools and law enforcement. The purpose of this program is to provide competitive funding to eligible public entities to implement comprehensive school safety improvements. These improvements must be grounded in evidence-based approaches and aligned with statutory purpose areas such as coordination with law enforcement, training to prevent violence, installation of deterrent measures, and deployment of emergency communication technologies. Projects are expected to contribute to improved information sharing, faster response times, and stronger relationships between school officials and law enforcement personnel. Funding under this program totals up to 73,000,000 dollars, with individual awards capped at 500,000 dollars. Approximately 200 awards are anticipated. A subset of funding is reserved for microgrants, which provide up to 100,000 dollars and waive the standard matching requirement. For all other applicants, a mandatory local cost share of at least 25 percent in cash is required unless a waiver is granted based on demonstrated financial hardship. The period of performance for awarded projects is 36 months, beginning on October 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies such as school districts, school boards, and law enforcement agencies. Individual schools that are not part of a school district and private schools are not eligible as primary applicants. Applications must demonstrate a comprehensive planning process that includes consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including educators, mental health professionals, students, parents, and law enforcement. Applicants must also ensure compliance with federal requirements related to nondiscrimination and information sharing policies. The application process consists of two required steps. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by August 4, 2026, and then complete the full application in the JustGrants system by August 11, 2026. Required components include standard applicant information, a proposal abstract, detailed budget documentation, and responses to programmatic questions. Additional materials such as letters of support and justifications for sole source procurement or consultant rates may also be required depending on the project. Applications are evaluated based on responsiveness, alignment with program goals, and the extent to which proposed activities demonstrate a comprehensive and sustainable approach to school safety. Additional consideration may be given to applicants that have not received prior funding, have experienced recent catastrophic events, or demonstrate strong coordination with federal law enforcement initiatives. Award notifications are expected on or after October 1, 2026, and successful applicants must comply with all reporting and post-award requirements outlined by the program.

Demonstrate comprehensive school safety planning, include stakeholder consultation, align with evidence-based practices, and clearly justify budget costs