Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools Grant Program

The 2025-26 Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools grant is administered by the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). This funding opportunity is part of the state’s School Safety and Security Grant Fund and supports nonpublic schools and approved public entities working collaboratively to enhance school safety and address mental health needs. It specifically targets nonpublic institutions within Pennsylvania that legally fulfill the state’s compulsory school attendance requirements, including approved private schools and private residential rehabilitative institutions. Also eligible are municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and approved third-party vendors that provide school security personnel services to nonpublic schools. The grant aims to improve safety and security in educational settings by funding a broad range of activities authorized under Section 1306-B(j) of the PA Public School Code. These activities include physical security enhancements, mental health initiatives, behavioral health support, threat assessments, the hiring and training of school security personnel, and programs that reduce community violence. Eligible nonpublic schools are encouraged to align their proposed projects with the Level 1 Baseline Criteria for Physical Security and Behavioral Health as developed by SSSC. Schools that identify gaps through professional assessments conducted by approved assessors are given priority consideration during the review process. Applicants may request up to $75,000 for a project period of up to 24 months. Funding is available for costs such as surveillance equipment, trauma-informed counseling services, mental health screenings, restorative justice programming, school visitor systems, student behavior monitoring systems, and training for staff on de-escalation and trauma response. However, certain items such as tactical gear, hotlines, and indirect costs are ineligible. All awarded funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring detailed budget justifications and compliance with procurement and reporting requirements. Applications must be submitted through PCCD’s Egrants system, with specific registration and account setup steps required. Only electronically submitted applications will be accepted, and they must be received by 11:59 PM on March 30, 2026. Applicants must also ensure that their agency is registered as a Commonwealth vendor and has appropriate user roles in the Egrants system, including someone authorized to sign electronically. Guidance and walkthrough materials are available to assist applicants in navigating the system and submission process. The evaluation process is competitive and cohort-based, with applications grouped by region according to Pennsylvania’s Intermediate Units. Scoring emphasizes alignment with the program’s allowable activities, demonstrated need, project design, and budget clarity. For nonpublic schools, the use of professionally conducted security or behavioral assessments, and plans that meet the Level 1 Baseline Criteria, are key scoring factors. The SSSC may only approve projects where the applicant and proposed expenses meet all specified requirements. Questions regarding the grant can be sent via email to [email protected] with “25-26 Targeted School Safety Grants” in the subject line. Technical support for Egrants is available through the Help Desk by phone or email. Approved applicants will receive notification through Egrants and must complete the contract signature process electronically. The performance period for selected projects will begin July 1, 2026, with final award approvals scheduled for June 2026. Ongoing compliance includes quarterly reporting and adherence to all fiscal, programmatic, and administrative requirements outlined by PCCD.