Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program is administered by the Texas Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office (PSO), and supported by both federal and state funding sources. Federally, it is authorized under 34 U.S.C. §60702 via the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice. State support comes from appropriations within the Texas General Appropriations Act. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce violent crime, particularly crimes involving gangs, firearms, and repeat offenders. The program is designed to enhance safety in communities through evidence-based and data-driven approaches to violence prevention and enforcement. Funded projects must aim to foster collaborations among law enforcement entities at all levels—federal, state, local, and tribal—as well as with community organizations and victims’ advocates. Specific eligible activities include developing strategic enforcement plans, focusing on crime hotspots, intervening with high-risk individuals, promoting community trust, and gathering and analyzing crime data to measure outcomes. Importantly, 30 percent of funding must support gang task forces operating in regions with significant criminal or transnational gang activity. Entities eligible to apply include public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, nonprofit corporations (including hospitals and faith-based organizations), and local units of government with taxing authority. Law enforcement agencies must apply through their affiliated governmental units, such as municipalities or counties. Numerous conditions apply to all applicants, including submission of fully executed governing body resolutions and certifications regarding immigration compliance. Entities must also be current with various state and federal criminal justice data reporting obligations and cybersecurity training certifications. Applications must be submitted through Texas' eGrants portal, where applicants will also upload required documents. These include resolutions from governing bodies, law enforcement or NGO certification forms, and proof of SAM registration with a valid UEI. Applications missing any required attachments will be deemed ineligible. The application window opens on December 15, 2025, and closes at 5:00 PM CST on February 12, 2026. The earliest project start date is October 1, 2026, with projects limited to a 12-month period. There is no minimum or maximum funding limit stated, and no cost match is required. However, applicants are expected to demonstrate compliance with all applicable guidelines under the Texas Grant Management Standards and federal grant rules. Unallowable costs include construction, standard-issue law enforcement gear, medical services, and unmanned aircraft systems, among others. Applications will undergo an initial screening by the PSO, followed by regional merit review by PSN Task Forces, and final funding decisions will be made by the Office of the Governor. Reviewers will consider factors such as geographic distribution, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with regional crime reduction priorities. For assistance, applicants may contact the eGrants help desk at [email protected] or call (512) 463-1919. The PSO's physical office is located at 1100 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701.

Ensure all certifications and data reporting requirements are met before submission to avoid disqualification.