Page 13 - Campus Security & Life Safety, November/December 2022

through the process.
After the grants department has the details of a school’s project, the
next step involves searching for potential funding that might be available to the school based on a number of factors such as its location, size, demographics, and unique security challenges. This typically takes the expert consultants between seven to 10 business days to research. At the end of that time, the school is then presented with a customized report specific to their district that details any grants or foundation money they may be eligible to apply for. The report includes links to the different foundations that will direct them straight to that funding source. The grants team also sends examples of narratives and applications for the various grants they're interested in so that they have a reference point. The grants team then goes over the report with stakeholders at the school and, depending on the school’s resources (such as having an in-house grant writer), that may be the end of the engagement.
Applying for Funds
More often than not, schools ask for additional help to apply for the funding. At this point, the grants department recommends the report be shared widely throughout the district, and a consultative call is scheduled with key stakeholders. From the superintendent, CFO, IT manager, school resource officer and beyond, the more stakeholders that can get involved, the better. The grants team then walks the entire group through each funding option in detail, weighing out the pros and cons based on the desired timeframes and optimum return for the school.
It's important to set realistic expectations with regards to grants, because this type of funding can take time. The grant process and the window for when an application can be submitted, reviewed, awarded, and then distributed to the district could take up to 12
months. Depending on the immediacy of the need, it’s possible that other options can be explored, including tax-exempt leasing and financing options which can then be paid off in a phased approach as grant and foundation money comes in. These options always include the ability to “buy out” at any time.
An important part of the application process is the specification of the actual security equipment desired. This almost always requires a bill of materials (BOM) to be submitted, and i-PRO’s K–12 security advisors are on hand to create a comprehensive BOM that addresses the school’s security needs in detail. It’s important to note that federal grant funding has stipulations on how it can be spent, so the team helps to ensure compliance with Federal Uniform Grant Guidance pursuant to 2 CFR § 200.320 methods of procurement, meaning that all contracts are competitively bid in accordance with statutory law.
The whole process takes dedication, significant time, and resources. It’s no wonder that it can seem overwhelming to anyone without experience. Once the application is submitted, the waiting begins. During this time, the grants team monitors the entire process, including tracking the specific grant to discover who are the awardees. If the grant comes through, it’s a big win deserving of celebration. It takes a village, but there’s no better cause or investment, according to the grants team. If you’re a school struggling to upgrade your security system, it’s important to know that help is out there. You don’t have to go it alone.
To learn more: https://i-pro.com/us/en/surveillance/industries/ secure-campus/
Amy Bolin is the Sales Development Manager at i-PRO Americas Inc., leading the Business Development team in sales outreach and developing new opportunities. She has a wealth of knowledge in K–12 and campus security, with over 20 years in the industry.
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