Ohio school districts can now apply for a total of $9.01 million in grant funding to support safety initiatives for the 2026-27 academic year, according to an announcement from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
The funds were authorized by the 136th General Assembly as part of House Bill 96 and are intended to support a variety of safety-related projects in schools across the state.
“Safety isn’t optional – it’s essential,” Yost said. “This funding helps schools across Ohio take real steps to protect students and staff.”
School leaders have flexibility in how they use the grants. Eligible projects include certification training for school resource officers, active-shooter response training or equipment, educational resources, mental-health training, and safety-related supplies or equipment. Additional uses may involve systems that provide immediate camera access to law enforcement, silent panic alarms, gunshot-detection technology, license-plate reader alerts for vehicles associated with registered sex offenders, alert systems for dangerous individuals, and other safety training.
Each school district can apply for a formula-based grant—either $2,500 or $4.50 per student (whichever is greater)—and/or a program-based grant of up to $40,000 regardless of district size. Grants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. The application deadline is May 29, 2026.
Applications are available through the Ohio Grants Portal under “Funding Opportunities” by selecting either “Ohio Attorney General’s FY26 Formula Based School Safety Grant” or “Ohio Attorney General’s FY26 Program Based School Safety Grant.” Questions about the grants can be directed to SchoolSafetyGrants@OhioAGO.gov.
