Ohio Offers $9 Million in School Safety Grants
Ohio school districts can apply for formula-based or program-based grants before the May 28, 2027 deadline.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Financial Aid
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Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced more than $9 million in state school safety grants that Ohio school districts can seek for the 2027-28 academic year. The funding was approved through House Bill 96 by the 136th Ohio General Assembly.
Why it matters
The grants are designed to help schools address safety concerns through equipment, technology, and training, so districts that apply can pursue projects they might otherwise be unable to fund. Because awards are first-come, first-served until the money runs out, timing matters for districts considering an application.
Formula-based grants start at $2,500 per organization or $4.50 per student, whichever is greater, and program-based grants reach up to $40,000 per organization regardless of enrollment. Applications are due May 28, 2027, and funding is awarded first-come, first-served until the money is distributed.
The players
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson
The state's chief legal officer, who announced the school safety grant funding.
Ohio School Safety Center
A state office that accepts applications for school safety grant funding.
Ohio General Assembly
The 136th Ohio General Assembly, which approved House Bill 96 authorizing the grants.
The details
Districts may apply for either or both of two grant types: formula-based grants, which are calculated by the greater of a $2,500 minimum or $4.50 per student, and program-based grants of up to $40,000 per organization. Eligible uses include training for school resource officers, active shooter preparedness, mental health education, and safety equipment such as silent panic alarms and gunshot-detection systems. Projects can also include technology that lets law enforcement access school security cameras and alert systems tied to dangerous individuals or license-plate reader notifications. Applications are submitted through the Ohio School Safety Center and Ohio Grants Portal.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Attorney General Andy Wilson announced the school safety grants on Monday.
May 28, 2027: Application deadline for the school safety grants.
2027-28 academic year: Period for which the school safety funding is available.
Education Landscape
Rising concern over school safety has pushed states to fund security equipment, training, and mental health programs alongside traditional aid. Ohio's program follows that pattern by directing state money to districts through formula and project-based grants authorized by House Bill 96.
School districts that want state funding for safety equipment, training, or mental health education should note the May 28, 2027 deadline and the first-come, first-served rule. Districts can compare the formula-based and program-based grant types to see which fits their enrollment and project needs, and can contact the Ohio School Safety Center with questions about eligibility.
The takeaway
State funding for school safety is available now, but it is limited and awarded first-come, first-served. Districts planning a safety project for the 2027-28 academic year should begin their applications well before the May 28, 2027 deadline.
What happens next
Applications are due May 28, 2027, and funding is awarded first-come, first-served until the available money is distributed.
Further reading
For context on how states fund aid programs like this one, explore our Financial Aid coverage.
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Should Ohio spend more state money on school safety equipment and training?
