This guide explains what the SAFE Grant is, who qualifies, what it funds, how schools can prepare to apply for future grant rounds, and what to do after approval.
School safety has become a growing priority for districts across the country, but meaningful security improvements often come with high costs. In New Hampshire, the Security Action for Education (SAFE) Grant helps public schools fund targeted security upgrades that protect students, staff, and facilities.
This guide explains what the SAFE Grant is, who qualifies, what it funds, and how schools can prepare to apply for future grant rounds.
What Is the SAFE Grant?
The Security Action for Education (SAFE) Grant is a New Hampshire state-funded program established in 2022 to support safety and security improvements in K–12 schools.
The program is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) and funded through the Public School Infrastructure Fund. SAFE is focused specifically on physical security measures that help schools prevent, detect, and respond to emergencies. The grant is released in application rounds, depending on state budget allocations and available funding.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- New Hampshire K–12 public school districts
- Chartered public schools
Nonpublic schools were eligible only during Round Two, which was funded through federal ARPA dollars. Current and recent rounds are limited to public and chartered public schools.
What Types of Projects Are Funded?
The SAFE Grant supports three clearly defined security categories. Projects must fall entirely within one of these areas.
Surveillance
- Exterior security cameras
- Camera monitoring displays
These projects typically cover entrances, parking areas, and building perimeters.
Access Control
- Door locking systems
- Bollards
- Gates and fencing
Access control projects help schools limit unauthorized entry during school hours.
Emergency Alerting
- Blue light emergency alert systems
- Public address (PA) phone systems
- Exterior door alarms
Projects must directly support emergency communication or alerting.
How Much Funding Is Available?
- Maximum award: $150,000 per school
- Round Four (2026) funding:
For Round Four alone (2026), the state received 702 applications requesting approximately $24 million all together, far exceeding available funds. Only $8 million was able to be distributed.
When trying to figure out how much to request check out our physical security pricing guide here.
How awards are prioritized
The Public School Infrastructure Commission prioritizes:
- Schools that did not receive funding in prior SAFE rounds
- Schools in communities with lower building aid factors
- Projects that are clearly defined and ready to begin
Projects with start dates before July 1 are typically funded earlier than those scheduled to begin later.
When Do SAFE Grant Applications Open?
The SAFE Grant does not operate on a rolling application schedule. Instead, applications open during specific grant rounds announced by the New Hampshire Department of Education.
- Round Four applications closed: December 8, 2025
- Awards were reviewed in January 2026
Future rounds depend on:
- State budget approvals
- Remaining or newly allocated infrastructure funds
Schools should regularly monitor NHED communications and Public School Infrastructure Commission updates to avoid missing future application windows.
How to Apply for the SAFE Grant
Each application may include:
- One school building
- One project category
Schools must submit separate applications for different buildings or project types. While application details may vary slightly by round, the overall process remains consistent.
1. Define your security need
Choose one project category: Surveillance, Access Control, or Emergency Alerting and clearly define the problem your school is addressing.
2. Write a precise project description
Your project description must be:
- Specific
- Limited to the approved scope
- Written carefully, as it becomes binding if the project is funded
This description is especially important because it must remain exactly the same throughout the grant process.
3. Submit through the Grants Management System (GMS)
If your project is awarded:
- The category selected in GMS must match the original application
- The project description entered in GMS must exactly match the approved application language
Any changes can delay reimbursement or require resubmission.
4. Receive funding based on project start date
- Projects starting before July 1 are typically funded earlier
- Later start dates are funded in the following fiscal year
What to Do After You’re Awarded a SAFE Grant
After receiving a SAFE Grant award, schools should move quickly but carefully into implementation. To learn more about what to expect when buying a security system read here. SAFE projects must be completed exactly as approved, so it’s important to select security equipment that clearly aligns with the funded project scope.
Working with a security provider experienced in security solutions for schools is always a smart choice. Education vendors understand SAFE Grant requirements and can help translate the approved project description into the right surveillance, access control, or emergency alerting equipment, ensuring purchases stay compliant and reimbursable.
The right partner can also help schools move confidently from approval to installation, making it easier to use SAFE Grant funds effectively while improving overall school safety.
With technicians and installation professionals located throughout New Hampshire, Usherwood makes it easy for schools to stay on schedule and implement dependable security solutions that fit within approved SAFE Grant timelines.
Where to Get Help or Ask Questions
For SAFE Grant questions, schools can contact:
Chris Armatys-Krzysztof.J.Armatys@doe.nh.gov.
School Safety Grant Coordinator, NH Department of Education
Additional resources are available through NHED, including grant FAQs, application process outlines, and school safety planning tools.
For administrators searching for a security grant for education, the SAFE Grant remains one of New Hampshire’s most important opportunities to fund meaningful school safety improvements. If your school has already been approved and you’re unsure what to do next, our team can help guide you through equipment selection and implementation. Fill out a form evaluation or use our chat feature to connect with a business representative immediately.
