For Michigan school administrators, 2025 brings new opportunities to gain funding for school security upgrades. The state's renewed commitment to school safety—demonstrated by recent legislative action to restore critical funding—provides multiple pathways to enhance campus security without overwhelming district budgets.
Michigan's School Security Funding Landscape
Michigan has recently recommitted to school safety with significant legislative action. In June 2024, a major funding gap emerged when lawmakers cut school safety and mental health grant funding from $328 million to just $26.8 million in the state budget. This dramatic reduction alarmed school administrators across the state who were already dealing with frozen per-pupil funding.
However, in a positive turn of events, Michigan lawmakers approved a $126 million supplemental spending plan in fall 2024 to partially restore these critical funds. This plan includes:
- $125 million toward school safety and mental health grant programs
- $1 million for safe gun storage education programs
This funding restoration, though not returning to previous levels, demonstrates Michigan's ongoing commitment to creating safer learning environments. The funding is particularly important as nearly 200 Michigan school districts have hired police officers to increase security in the wake of the 2021 Oxford High School tragedy.
Read the Complete Guide: The Future of School Security in the Modern Era
Read the Complete Guide: The Future of School Security in the Modern Era
House Bill 5507 (Public Act 120 of 2024)
One of the most accessible current funding opportunities comes through Michigan House Bill 5507 (Public Act 120 of 2024, Section 31aa). This legislation restores safety funding for:
- Intermediate school districts (ISDs)
- Local education agencies (LEAs), including traditional public schools
- Public school academies (PSAs)
- Non-public schools
- The Michigan School for the Deaf and Blind
The bill specifically supports implementing digital asset management (DAM) platforms to house school safety documentation, including Emergency Operations Plans, Critical Incident Maps, and floor plans—essential resources for emergency response.
Eligible schools can opt in through the Grant Electronic Monitoring System/Michigan Administrative Review System (GEMS/MARS) via MiLogin.
House Bill 6012 (Critical Incident Mapping Funding)
Michigan House Bill 6012 Part 97d represents a historic investment in school safety by fully funding risk assessments and critical incident mapping. This bipartisan bill supports the creation of comprehensive security maps that help protect students and facilitate coordinated emergency response.
Critical incident mapping is particularly important for first responders, as it provides detailed, standardized information about school layouts that can save precious minutes during emergencies. These maps must meet specific qualifications, including:
- Compatibility with platforms used by local, state, and federal public safety officials
- No requirement for additional software purchases
- Printable format availability
- Verification through physical walk-throughs of school buildings
- True north orientation
- Accurate floor plans overlaid on current aerial imagery
- Site-specific labeling for rooms, hallways, doors, utility locations, and safety equipment
- Gridded overlay with x/y coordinates for precise location communication
Competitive School Safety Grant Program
The Michigan State Police administers the Competitive School Safety Grant Program (CSSGP), which has provided millions in funding to schools across the state since 2015. The most recent round (2022) awarded funds to hundreds of schools for various security enhancements.
The 2022 CSSGP distributed grants ranging from under $10,000 to $250,000, depending on school needs and project scope. Recipients included:
- Public school districts (e.g., Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools: $250,000)
- Private/parochial schools (e.g., Grandville Calvin Christian Schools: $100,000)
- Charter schools (e.g., American Montessori Academy: $50,000)
- Intermediate school districts (e.g., Branch ISD: $112,438)
These grants funded a variety of security improvements, including:
- Advanced surveillance systems
- Access control measures
- Emergency notification systems
- Physical security enhancements
- Communication infrastructure
As of March 2025, the Michigan State Police (MSP) continues to administer the Competitive School Safety Grant Program (CSSGP), aiming to enhance the safety and security of students, staff, and school facilities through funding for technology and equipment upgrades.
While specific details regarding CSSGP funding for 2025 have not been released, the Michigan State Police's Office of School Safety continues to oversee and administer grants to improve school safety. Schools and districts are encouraged to monitor the MSP's official communications for announcements about upcoming funding opportunities and application guidelines.
Read the Case Study: How a Public High School Transformed School Security
Sections 97c and 97d Funding
As of March 2024, the Michigan Department of Education announced additional limited funding opportunities under Sections 97c and 97d of Public Act 93. These funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. Schools that previously received funding under these sections are not eligible.
Section 97c: Comprehensive Safety Assessments
Section 97c provides funding for schools to contract with vendors for comprehensive safety and security assessments. Grants are available in amounts up to $2,000 per building.
Qualifying vendors must demonstrate:
- Well-developed processes for assessing school safety and security
- Ability to provide actionable recommendations within K-12 best practices
- History of successfully assessing K-12 schools
- Capacity to deliver comprehensive review reports
- Ability to provide ongoing implementation assistance
- Experience assessing facilities with specialized needs
- Independence from security product vendors (no conflicts of interest)
Section 97d: Critical Incident Mapping
Section 97d provides funding specifically for critical incident mapping in school buildings. This mapping creates standardized documentation that helps first responders navigate school buildings efficiently during emergencies.
To apply for either of these funding opportunities, schools must email MDE-97c97d@michigan.gov with specific information about their needs and agreement to vendor qualification requirements.
Federal Funding Options for Michigan Schools
Beyond state-specific programs, Michigan schools can access several federal funding streams to support comprehensive security enhancements.
COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)
The COPS School Violence Prevention Program provides funding directly to states and local governments to improve school security through evidence-based programs. Michigan schools can use these funds for:
- Video surveillance systems with AI-powered monitoring
- Emergency notification technologies
- Access control infrastructure
- Communication systems for coordinated emergency response
BJA STOP School Violence Program
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) STOP School Violence Program offers another crucial funding stream. This program focuses on violence prevention in K-12 settings through:
- Threat assessment programs
- Anonymous reporting systems
- Training for school personnel
- Mental health interventions
- Technology solutions for early threat detection
Homeland Security Grants
Department of Homeland Security grant programs can provide additional resources for school security enhancements, particularly for technologies that enable rapid emergency communication and response.
Strategic Application and Implementation
When applying for school security funding in Michigan, a strategic approach significantly increases your chances of success.
Application Strategies
Successful applications typically include:
- Comprehensive needs assessment: Document current security gaps based on professional security assessments.
- Clear implementation plan: Outline how funds will be used, with specific timelines and milestones.
- Technology integration strategy: Explain how new systems will work with existing infrastructure.
- Community and stakeholder engagement: Demonstrate support from school staff, parents, and local first responders.
- Sustainability plan: Show how ongoing maintenance and training will be funded after initial implementation.
For state-specific grants like Sections 97c and 97d, ensure you meet all technical requirements and submission deadlines. The first-come, first-served nature of these programs means early application is essential.
Implementation Considerations
When implementing new security systems, Michigan schools should consider:
- Compatibility with existing camera systems and access controls
- Integration with emergency operations plans
- Alignment with Michigan school safety requirements
- Coordination with local emergency responders
- Staff training needs for new technology
Phased implementation allows schools to prioritize critical security needs while maintaining daily operations. Working with experienced security partners helps ensure smooth integration and compliance with state requirements.
The AI Advantage in School Security
The most effective modern school security systems leverage artificial intelligence to provide proactive protection. AI-powered systems offer significant advantages over traditional security measures:
- Predictive threat detection: Identifying potential security risks before they escalate
- Real-time monitoring: Continuous surveillance across all campus areas
- Automated alerting: Immediate notification of security incidents to appropriate personnel
- Coordinated response: Integration with emergency response systems for faster intervention
- Resource optimization: More efficient use of security personnel through targeted deployment
These AI capabilities transform passive surveillance into active security management, providing schools with the tools to prevent incidents rather than simply recording them.
Success Stories in Michigan School Security
Several Michigan schools have successfully leveraged state and federal funding to implement comprehensive security solutions.
Fraser Public Schools received $250,000 through the Competitive School Safety Grant Program to enhance their security infrastructure. The district implemented an integrated system that includes AI-powered video monitoring, access control, and emergency notification capabilities.
Lake Shore Public Schools in St. Clair Shores similarly secured $250,000 to upgrade their security technology. Their implementation focused on creating a coordinated emergency response system that enables immediate communication between school administrators and first responders.
These examples demonstrate how strategic use of available funding can transform school security approaches from reactive to proactive, creating safer learning environments for Michigan students.
Securing Michigan's Schools
Michigan's renewed commitment to school safety funding provides unprecedented opportunities for enhancing campus security. By leveraging a combination of state programs like House Bill 5507 funding, Sections 97c and 97d grants, and the Competitive School Safety Grant Program, schools can implement comprehensive security solutions without overwhelming their operational budgets.
At VOLT, we understand the unique security challenges facing Michigan schools and the importance of maximizing available funding. Our AI-powered security systems provide real-time monitoring, threat detection, and emergency response coordination—all designed to work within your existing infrastructure and budget constraints.
Don't wait until after an incident to upgrade your security approach. With application deadlines approaching for several key funding programs, now is the time to assess your school's security needs and explore available resources.
Every second matters in school safety. Let VOLT help you make those seconds count with intelligent security solutions that protect your entire school community.
Schedule a demo with VOLT today to learn how our AI-powered security solutions can enhance your school's safety while maximizing your grant funding potential.
