06 May Funding Alert! Upcoming Department of Justice COPS Grants

U.S. Department of Justice – Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

Is your law enforcement agency or school district seeking funding for security- and safety-related capacity improvements? The Department of Justice (DOJ) – Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office has several funding opportunities opening soon that will support officer hiring and training, including school resource officers, as well as a variety of smaller-scale initiatives for law enforcement agencies. COPS funds a variety of grant programs that advance community policing through efforts such as hiring personnel; collaborating with school districts and other community partners to improve safety and security; training officers and key partners; and more. In last week’s Funding Friday post, we looked at three COPS programs that are currently accepting proposals. This week, we are highlighting three upcoming opportunities. Below is a brief breakdown of each of these programs.

Which opportunities will be available?

COPS has three solicitations opening soon:

School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)

SVPP supports security improvements at schools and on school grounds using evidence-based safety programs. The 2020 program fact sheet is available here.

• Supported Expenses: School resource officers or security personnel; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent school violence; equipment such as metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrents; and other security improvements.
• Additional Considerations: When making funding decisions in 2020, the COPS office considered the applicant’s capacity to make the proposed improvements, demonstrated need for improved school safety, geographic distribution, the presence of a catastrophic incident within the applicant’s jurisdiction, and the use of evidence-based strategies and programs (such as those put forth by the Comprehensive School Safety Initiative).
• Eligibility: States, units of local government, Indian tribes, and school districts
• Funding Statistics: In 2020, COPS made 160 SVPP awards (out of 502 proposals received) at an average of $306,148 each.

COPS Hiring Program (CHP)

CHP directly supports law enforcement agencies through salary funding for full-time officers. The 2020 program fact sheet is available here.

• Supported Expenses: Up to 75% of entry-level salaries and fringe benefits for full-time officers for 36 months (up to $125,000 per position). This program requires at least a 25% local cash match, and the awardee must retain the CHP-funded position for at least 12 months following the end of the 36-month award period.
• Additional Considerations: Last year, COPS gave additional consideration to proposals that focused on one of the 2020 priority areas: violent crime, school-based policing (including the hiring/use of school resource officers), and homeland and border security. Note that these priority areas may change in the 2021 solicitation.
• Eligibility: State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies
• Funding Statistics: In 2020, COPS made 605 CHP awards (out of 1,091 proposals received) for a total of $399,469,632 supporting 2,761 new full-time officer positions.

Community Policing Development (CPD) Microgrants Program

The CPD Microgrants program funds a variety of projects that support improvements to law enforcement capacity and implementation of community policing strategies. The 2020 program fact sheet is available here.

• Supported Expenses: In 2020, applicants requested funding to support expenses related to one of the following subtopics: human trafficking; rural law enforcement challenges; officer safety and wellness; recruitment, hiring, and retention; school safety; staffing and allocation studies; victim-centered approaches; violent crime; and youth engagement. Note that these subtopics may change in the 2021 solicitation.
• Additional Considerations: CPD Microgrants are focused on developing knowledge and awareness around community policing strategies, improving the skills and abilities of law enforcement agencies and their community partners, and institutionalizing community policing practice.
• Eligibility: Local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies
• Funding Statistics: In 2020, COPS awarded 29 CPD Microgrants for a total of $2,193,728. The average award was $75,646 with a maximum award of $100,000.

What if I plan to apply? Even though the new solicitations have not been released, you can take some steps to start preparing:

• Keep an eye out for the 2021 solicitations for these programs, which will be announced on the COPS grants page and gov.
• View the DOJ’s COPS website for examples of previously funded proposals, tips and assistance, program contacts, and other news and resources.
• Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and be sure you have agov profile. You can check your SAM status here: https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/searchRecords/search.jsf.
• DOJ proposals also require submission through the new JustGrants system. You can view further information and access technical assistance here: https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training-resources.

What if I need help with this application?

Contact Assel Grant Services (AGS) today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist, will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you a quote for grant services.

What if I am not ready to apply this year?

Start preparing for next year! The DOJ also has a variety of other programs and funding opportunities available that might be a good fit. The office’s website has ample resources, webinars, and descriptions of available or upcoming opportunities. And check out last week’s Funding Friday post for more information on currently available COPS programs.

How do I learn more about federal grant opportunities?

AGS is excited to offer a new Federal Grants Training Series coming in 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.

AGS blogs, funding alerts, and trainings are aligned with the Grant Professional Certification Institute’s Competencies and Skills

Competency #1: Knowledge of how to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs

Skill 1.2: Identify major trends in public funding and public policy

Skill 1.6: Identify fundable programs and projects for specific organization

Skill 1.7: Determine best matches between funders and specific programs