Buckeye Reporter

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that nearly $8 million in grant funding is available to support safety and security enhancements at religious institutions, chartered non-public schools, licensed preschools, and nonprofit organizations in Ohio. 

The funding will be awarded as part of the fourth round of the Ohio Safety and Security Grant Program. Governor DeWine launched the program in 2019 in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly. Approximately $18 million has been awarded over the previous three rounds, with a significant amount directed toward Jewish organizations throughout Ohio. 

“Without this funding support, there are schools, religious institutions, and nonprofits that would otherwise be left defenseless because they can't afford the cost of security improvements," said Governor DeWine. "No matter where you worship or where you go to school, we want all Ohioans to be safe."  

Funding can be used for security equipment that helps prevent, prepare for, or respond to acts of terrorism such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, motion sensors, reinforced doors, fencing, high-intensity lighting, and crisis communication systems. Grants can also be used toward the cost of contracted security personnel and security training.

The Ohio Safety and Security Grant Program is administered by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Each applicant may request up to $100,000 in funding.

The deadline to apply for funding is Nov. 3. A webinar for interested applicants is scheduled for Oct. 18. Additional information on grants is available on the State of Ohio Safety and Security Grant webpage.

The Ohio Safety and Security Grant Program is in addition to a separate grant program that supports safety in public and private schools across the state. Since 2021, the Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program has awarded more than $215 million in funding to nearly 2,800 schools for security upgrades.  

Original source can be found here.