Applications now open for third round of SAFE grants

CONCORD, NH — Today, the New Hampshire Department of Education opened its third round of applications for the Security Action for Education (SAFE) grants program, which will allocate $10 million to district and public charter schools to improve school security. 

Proposed school safety projects will aim to enhance access control, emergency alerting and surveillance.

“This newest round of funding will continue to make New Hampshire’s schools even safer for children and staff. These security initiatives will allow students and teachers to focus on their education and instruction, knowing that their schools have the most updated technology and resources to keep safe,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner.  

During previous rounds of SAFE grants, about $13.9 million was awarded to 341 schools throughout the state. Schools that did not receive SAFE grants in rounds one or two will be prioritized during this new, third round of applications. Unfunded applications remaining from rounds one and two will not be considered, however a school may submit a new application for the same project. In this round, the maximum awards for any one school for all projects submitted will not exceed $100,000. 

Schools are now invited to submit applications to the Public School Infrastructure Commission through the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (HSEM) Resource Center; the commission will make its award recommendations on a first-in-first-out basis, which will then be considered by the Legislative Fiscal Committee and Governor and Council, most likely during the first quarter of 2024.

“We remain committed to the safety of our schools in order to provide peace of mind to students, staff and parents,” said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. “This grant funding allows our schools to continue to make safety a top priority.”

Schools may register using this form.