Looking for grant funding for your next security project? Here are four important areas to consider before filling out your first application.

When organizations are looking to secure funding for a security project – especially when they are new to the grant funding process – it’s hard to know where to start. Whether you are wondering how to optimize your application for success, or even how to know which grants are the best ones to apply for, below are four important steps to increase your chances of success.

1. Make sure that your organization fits the eligibility criteria – and consider if you would be a competitive applicant.

Before diving into the application process, it’s important to carefully review the eligibility requirements outlined in the request for proposals. Reading the fine print and understanding these criteria will not only determine your eligibility but also provide insights into how competitive your application can be.

It’s useful to spend the time studying past recipients of the grants on your radar. This can help identify the patterns and preferences of the types of organizations who have received funding in the past. For example, if most of the previous recipients are fire departments and you are a small college, you might reconsider spending the time to apply. This information can better help you tailor your application to align with the types of institutions or projects they typically fund, increasing your chances of success.

2. Be prepared to demonstrate that your organization is a serious applicant and is committed to the project.

Make sure you are able to provide objective evidence of the need for improved security measures by obtaining a formal threat assessment from local law enforcement agencies. This unbiased and third-party evaluation adds credibility to your application and reinforces the urgency of your security initiatives. Most local police departments offer this service to their community schools and businesses for free.

Pay attention to any match requirements specified in grant opportunities and make sure your organization is prepared to commit these funds as part of the process. Some grants don’t require any organizational funds, but you can always consider offering a small organizational match as a demonstration that your organization is truly invested in this initiative. Even if it’s not mandated, a matching contribution can distinguish your application and showcase your organization’s dedication to the proposed security initiatives.

Include the support and perspective of key leadership members by engaging them in the grant process, whether inside or outside your organization. Including formal letters of support from legislative leaders and community partners will demonstrate the broader impact of your security initiatives and enhance your credibility as a grant applicant. Additionally, gaining the support and engagement of finance and operational leaders within your organization in the grant-writing process can be essential, as grant applications represent contractual agreements that commit the organization to specific activities and reporting requirements.

3. Leverage in-house and external resources to help you navigate the grant discovery, application, and execution process.

If your organization does not have an in-house development, grant, or fundraising department, look into leveraging the experience of colleagues, board members, or partners with grant-writing experience. If you are going it alone, understand that grant writing is a skill that takes time to develop. Be prepared for a competitive process, where other organizations may be applying for the second, third or fourth year in a row and have learned a few tricks along the way.

There are many security industry programs and resources that educational organizations and other nonprofits can leverage to help identify appropriate grant opportunities and create and submit the application. Some of these resources, including the SecureGrants program from Shooter Detection Systems, can also assist in identifying certain technologies, programs and other tools that can help your organization meet your security and safety goals for the funding.

4. Get started with SecureGrants from Shooter Detection Systems.

The SecureGrants program provides a wide range of services to help fund your organization’s security infrastructure needs. This begins with initial grant suggestions based on grants eligibility and organizational competitiveness, and a customized grants roadmap with suggested timeline and activities.

Once specific opportunities are identified, SDS grants experts will help your organization with drafting and refining the grant content, which at times can require documentation from your organization about project design, estimated budgets, and a persuasive narrative on the anticipated positive impacts of your project. SecureGrants also helps you with the post-grant administration process. Shooter Detection Systems offers this service pro bono to qualified customers in the K-12 space, as well as other nonprofits and religious organizations.

There are a vast amount of grant opportunities available for many different types of nonprofits, from various federal, state and local funding sources. Giving consideration to these key areas will ensure that your organization’s applications are competitive and represent your security priorities.

For more information on SecureGrants and how Shooter Detection Systems can help, please contact us.