Law Enforcement Emergency Device Grant

The Law Enforcement Emergency Device Letter of Interest Opportunity Round 2 is administered by the Minnesota Department of Education, a state-level agency responsible for supporting public education systems and ensuring safe learning environments across Minnesota. This funding initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance school safety infrastructure by enabling rapid law enforcement access during emergency situations. The program specifically focuses on the installation of secure exterior master key boxes, which allow authorized law enforcement personnel to gain entry to locked school buildings during crises without delay or forced entry. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to improve emergency response times and coordination between schools and law enforcement agencies. By funding the installation of one secure exterior master key box per selected building, the program aims to reduce barriers to access during critical incidents such as active threats, medical emergencies, or other urgent situations. The scope of funding is limited to the acquisition and installation of these devices, and applicants are restricted to requesting support for no more than one device per building. All applicants that meet the stated eligibility criteria will receive funding, indicating a non-competitive structure contingent on compliance with requirements. Eligible applicants include Special or Independent School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, Minnesota State Academies, and Cooperative Units located within Minnesota. This inclusive eligibility framework ensures that a wide range of educational institutions, including public, charter, and tribal entities, can participate in the program. There is no indication of matching fund requirements, suggesting that the grant fully covers the cost associated with the approved device installation. The program is geographically restricted to Minnesota, as it is administered by a state agency and explicitly targets schools within the state. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Interest, which serves as a required initial step for participation. Interested applicants must complete and submit this Letter of Interest through Microsoft Forms by May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. Central Time. Only those applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirements based on their Letter of Interest will be invited to submit a full application. Supporting materials are provided, including an instruction document and a worksheet to assist applicants in preparing their responses prior to submission through the official online form. The program includes a structured timeline to support applicant engagement and preparation. A question and answer period is available, with inquiries required to be submitted via email to the designated program contact by May 1, 2026. Responses to submitted questions will be compiled and published in a question-and-answer document by May 13, 2026. This process ensures transparency and provides clarification to all prospective applicants. The Letter of Interest submission deadline of May 22, 2026 represents the key gating milestone for this funding round. Applicants are encouraged to review all provided materials carefully and ensure timely submission through the specified platform. The program contact, Virginia Davis, is available via email to address any remaining questions or provide additional guidance. While details regarding the full application phase, evaluation criteria, and award notification timeline are not specified in the available information, the structure indicates a two-step process with an initial screening followed by invitation-only advancement. This funding opportunity represents a targeted investment in school safety infrastructure with a clear and focused implementation goal.