Law Enforcement Emergency Device Grant

The Law Enforcement Emergency Device Grant Opportunity, offered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) for State Fiscal Years 2026–2027, is a funding initiative aimed at enhancing school safety through improved law enforcement access in emergencies. This grant targets Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Minnesota, including special or independent school districts, charter schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, Minnesota Academies, and cooperative units. The program supports the installation of Underwriters Laboratories Standard (ULS) 1037-compliant emergency entry devices, commonly known as secure exterior master key lock boxes, at school buildings. These boxes provide authorized law enforcement personnel with immediate access to locked facilities during emergencies, significantly improving response times and coordination during critical incidents. The initiative aligns with national standards and best practices in emergency preparedness and is part of the state’s broader commitment to ensuring safe learning environments. Each grant award is designated for the purchase and installation of one device per school building. Participating schools are required to update their Crisis Management policies to reflect the device's use, and establish formal agreements (MOUs) with local law enforcement outlining access and responsibilities. The intent is to foster stronger partnerships between schools and law enforcement while supporting timely, coordinated responses in crisis situations. MDE has allocated approximately $950,000 in total funding for this program. Each eligible applicant will receive at least one award per district at a rate of $1,000 per approved building. If more requests are received than funds available, a lottery system will determine distribution for additional devices beyond the first building per applicant. All applicants that meet minimum eligibility criteria and submit a complete Letter of Interest (LOI) will be invited to submit a full application. The LOI must include the number of requested devices, the list of proposed building installations, and a confirmation of eligibility. The application process begins with submission of a Letter of Interest via Microsoft Forms, which will be available on MDE’s website by January 12, 2026. Letters must be submitted no later than January 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Applicants are responsible for timely submission and cannot submit forms via fax, email, or shared cloud documents. A question-and-answer period ends January 9, 2026, and inquiries must be directed to the program contact, Virginia Davis, at [email protected]. Responses will be posted on the grant webpage by January 14, 2026. Following the LOI phase, eligible applicants will be notified by the end of February 2026 and invited to submit full applications. These applications will require more detailed documentation, including the planned device specifications, the updated Crisis Management policy, an MOU with law enforcement, and a timeline for installation. Awards will only be finalized once MDE completes the review and issues an executed grant agreement (OGAN). Applicants are cautioned not to incur reimbursable expenses before the official execution of this documentation, as MDE will not reimburse pre-award costs. This program represents Minnesota’s proactive stance on school safety by enabling educational institutions to take preventative action in crisis preparedness. It empowers schools with practical infrastructure, fosters public safety partnerships, and reinforces community resilience through collaborative emergency planning.

Ensure your Crisis Management Policy and device specifications align with the requirements outlined in the guidelines.