Looking for a way to make security more affordable for your organization? You may be eligible for financial assistance through your local or federal government programs. And with Verkada’s fully integrated security cameras, alarms, and access control, to intercoms and environmental sensors, you can maximize safety while stretching your funds even further.
Learn how to fit a high-quality security system into your budget without compromising on protection.
In today’s technological landscape, a security system is more than a collection of passive cameras recording footage onto a hard drive. For many businesses and organizations, security is now more integrated into daily operations than ever before.
Learn more about security systems, safety, and monitoring solutions:
- School Security Solutions
- Government Security Solutions
- Security and Threat Prevention for Public Agencies
While these modern, integral security systems are becoming more accessible every day, the cost to implement and maintain the infrastructure can be a burden to the very organizations that need them the most, such as schools, non-profits, and government agencies. If you’re looking for a way to optimize the security of your organization without breaking the bank, you’re not out of luck! You may be eligible for financial assistance.
Our governments know that when our local businesses and organizations are more secure, our communities are safer. As such, there are a variety of grants, rebates, and other forms of assistance that can support you when it comes to increasing the security of your property.
Here’s everything you need to know about the available incentives, the steps you need to take, and the best ways to make use of your security funding.
Understanding Security System Funding Options
When it comes to funding a security system for your organization, there are a few different options that may be available to you. In this guide, we’re going to narrow in on three of these options:
Security Grants
Grants provide funding for your organization that you do not need to repay. They are typically offered by governments or private entities and are often aimed at nonprofits, schools, and public institutions to enhance security infrastructure. Grants such as the FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program and the School Violence Prevention Program are designed to support the installation of security measures.
Security Rebates
Rebates act as a partial refund for security system purchases. Government bodies or utility companies may offer these to encourage investment in safer, more secure infrastructure. Rebates typically reduce the upfront costs of security systems, making them a popular option for businesses and smaller organizations.
Tax Credits & Deductions
Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax an organization owes, while tax deductions lower taxable income. For businesses and organizations investing in security systems, tax credits and deductions can make a big difference, especially when upgrading outdated equipment or installing new technologies. These financial incentives are designed to encourage investments that contribute to public safety and security.
Which Funding Option is Right For You?
All of these options are valuable for organizations seeking financial assistance for installing or upgrading security systems. The ideal choice depends on your specific needs:
- Grants are best for schools, nonprofits, and public institutions needing upfront funding.
- Rebates reduce costs post-purchase, suitable for businesses prepared for initial payments.
- Tax Credits & Deductions benefit long-term investment planning.
Each option offers a unique way to make security more affordable, allowing you to tailor funding to your organization’s needs and resources.
Now that you have a better idea of the types of assistance out there, let’s take a look at some of the most popular assistance programs in the US and Australia.
Federal Security Grants and Incentives in the US
In the United States, several federal programs offer security funding to help schools, nonprofits, and government organizations bolster safety measures. While these popular programs offer substantial support, there may also be additional state and local grants available for your specific needs. Here are three key federal programs to help you get started.
FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
The FEMA Nonprofit Secure Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding to nonprofit organizations that are at risk of terrorist attacks. The grant covers physical security enhancements like:
Eligible organizations include religious institutions, community centers, medical facilities, and other nonprofits that serve at-risk populations.
This grant is not applicable for government entities, public schools, or for-profit organizations.
COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)
Schools are some of our nation’s most vulnerable locations, which are often in need of more security than they can afford. With the School Violence Prevention Program, institutions can receive assistance when it comes to installing physical security solutions. This program focuses on preventing violence in educational environments, providing much-needed resources to keep students and staff safe.
State governments, tribal governments, and their public agencies are eligible to apply for this grant. This includes public school districts, charter schools, school boards, and law enforcement agencies. This does not apply to individual schools or private schools.
DHS Prevention Grant Funds
Offered by the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Prevention Grants are designed to fund security measures that prevent terrorism and other threats to public safety. They are available to schools, nonprofits, and government institutions, particularly those in areas considered high-risk. With many different grants to choose from, you’re likely to find something that matches your unique situation.
Security Grants and Programs in Australia
If you live in Australia, there are also several funding programs available to lighten the burden of security for your organization.
Safer Communities Fund (Round 6)
The Australian Safer Communities Fund (Round 6) offers financial assistance for organizations to improve local safety and reduce crime in high-risk areas. In its sixth round, this grant provides grants of up to $1 million for crime prevention initiatives aimed at reducing crime, violence, and security risks driven by racial or religious intolerance.
Alcohol Secure and Safety Grant
The Alcohol Secure and Safety Grant is a Northern Territory program offering funding to eligible Northern Territory liquor licensees. This grant supports the installation of security measures such as CCTV, alarm systems, and secure storage solutions to prevent theft and improve safety in vulnerable areas. It is specifically aimed at helping businesses operating in high-risk environments reduce alcohol-related incidents.
Securing Faith-Based Places Grant
The Securing Faith-Based Places Grant is an Australian federal initiative aimed at improving security for religious institutions. This program provides funding for infrastructure enhancements designed to protect places of worship from targeted violence and vandalism. Eligible organizations include churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious sites at risk.
SafeWork Small Business Rebate (NSW)
The SafeWork Small Business Rebate in New South Wales provides a $1,000 rebate for small businesses with less than 50 employees to invest in safety improvements, including security upgrades. Eligible businesses can use the rebate for equipment and infrastructure that enhances workplace safety, such as CCTV and access control systems. This initiative aims to support small businesses in reducing risk and preventing incidents.
Local Capability Fund (Western Australia)
The Local Capability Fund (LCF) in Western Australia supports small and medium-sized businesses by offering financial assistance for equipment and technology upgrades, including security systems. This fund is aimed at enhancing local business capacity to compete for government and private sector contracts, especially in sectors like construction, defense, and resources.
How to Apply for Security System Grants and Assistance
Once you’ve identified funding options that align with your needs, it’s time to create a robust plan to submit a carefully constructed application. Keep in mind, these programs are often highly competitive. Writing a compelling proposal may involve a full team, from researchers and data analysts to writers and editors, all working together to craft a persuasive case for funding. Developing a grant application can be time-intensive, involving multiple rounds of research, data collection, writing, and revision to ensure it aligns with the grant’s objectives and maximizes your chances of approval.
Let’s look at the eligibility requirements to understand, the application process you may need to follow, and additional tips for maximizing your chances of success.
Eligibility Requirements for Different Programs
Each security funding opportunity we’ve listed on this page has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet in order to be considered. These criteria can vary significantly depending on the program’s purpose, and reviewing them carefully is essential to avoid wasting time on ineligible applications. Here’s what to consider:
- Organization Type: Many grants are limited to specific types of organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, or government agencies. Some programs may also support small businesses, especially those in high-risk or community-focused industries.
- Project Scope and Goals: The project must align closely with the grant’s objectives, whether enhancing public safety, preventing crime, or protecting vulnerable populations. Grants often prioritize projects that show a measurable community impact.
- Geographic Restrictions: Some grants are only available to organizations in certain states, territories, or regions, especially state-level programs. Federal grants typically cover a broader scope, but certain programs may target high-risk areas.
- Usage restriction: Each program has its own rules for how funds can be spent. Some require funds to be used for specific security initiatives, while others restrict spending on certain equipment. For instance, some programs don’t cover target hardening—security measures like CCTV, locks, fences, or access control systems aimed at physically reinforcing facilities. Programs like the STOP School Violence Grant often focus on preventative measures, such as training and behavioral interventions, rather than physical equipment. Always review each grant’s restrictions to ensure your project aligns with eligible uses of funds.
- Financial Need and Risk Level: Many grants focus on high-need or high-risk organizations, such as those in low-income or crime-prone areas. You may need to document your organization’s risk level or financial need as part of the eligibility.
- Existing Security Measures: Some programs assess the applicant’s current security infrastructure to prioritize those in greatest need of upgrades. Organizations with limited existing security measures may have an advantage in qualifying for funding.
By confirming and documenting these eligibility factors, you can ensure your organization is a strong candidate and avoid wasting resources on ineligible programs.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a security system grant requires a structured approach to ensure that all requirements are met and that the proposal is compelling. And while each program will have its own set of criteria to meet, here is a general step-by-step guide that cover the most common processes:
- Research and Gather Requirements: Start by gathering all application guidelines and deadlines. Check eligibility requirements and identify any required documentation, such as financial records, risk assessments, and project outlines.
- Assemble Your Team: Grant applications are often team efforts. Involve key stakeholders early, including grant writers, financial analysts, and project managers, to handle different aspects of the application. Some organizations may even choose to hire a professional proposal writer or consultant.
- Develop a Project Plan: Outline the scope of your project, detailing the security systems, technologies, or infrastructure upgrades that the grant will support. Include specifics, such as the type of equipment (CCTV, access control) and its purpose (crime prevention, risk mitigation).
- Budget Preparation: Create a detailed budget that accounts for all project costs, including equipment, installation, training, and maintenance. Be transparent about how the funds will be allocated and demonstrate that the grant will be used efficiently.
- Draft the Proposal: Begin writing a clear, persuasive proposal that aligns with the grant’s mission. Explain why your organization needs the funding, how it will use it, and the expected outcomes for the community or organization.
- Review and Refine: Review the proposal with your team. Edit and refine the content to ensure clarity and alignment with the grant’s requirements. Consider gathering feedback from other departments to improve your submission. Submit and Track: Submit the completed application well before the deadline. Many grant programs provide a portal for tracking application status. Be sure to follow up if you don’t receive confirmation of receipt.
Tips for Writing Successful Grant Proposals
Crafting a winning grant proposal for your security funding needs will take strategy, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the goals for the program in question. Here are some expert tips to help you set your application apart from the crowd:
- Define the Problem Clearly: Clearly outline the specific security challenge your organization faces, supported by data. For example, include local crime statistics, recent incidents, or vulnerabilities unique to your location. Showing a genuine need for security improvements helps reviewers understand the urgency of your project.
- Align Your Proposal with the Grant’s Mission: Carefully read the grant’s mission and align your proposal’s language and goals with it. Use keywords from the grant description, and explicitly link your project’s objectives to the grant’s primary focus areas.
- Highlight Community Impact: Grants and other financial assistance programs often prioritize projects with broad impact. Describe how your project benefits not only your organization but also the wider community. For example, outline how improved security could reduce local crime, enhance public safety, or foster a safer environment for community engagement.
- Use Data to Strengthen Your Case: Data can lend credibility and objectivity to your proposal. Reference relevant statistics, studies, or case studies that support the need for your project. For instance, mention the average ROI of security investments or how similar grants have reduced incidents in comparable settings. Leverage Visuals and Diagrams: Diagrams, charts, and visuals can make the data in your proposal more engaging, helping reviewers to understand complex information at a glance. Consider including a project timeline, a cost breakdown, or maps of the areas needing security upgrades.
- Write Concisely and Clearly: Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Each section should be clear, concise, and focused on the purpose of the program you’re applying for. Use headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make your proposal easy to read and scan.
- Showcase Your Organization’s Track Record: Include past successes and demonstrate your organization’s reliability in executing projects. If you’ve successfully implemented security projects or grants in the past, mention these as examples of your capability.
- Include a Project Timeline: A realistic, detailed timeline demonstrates that your organization has a clear plan for executing the project. Break it down into phases—planning, installation, training, and maintenance—and estimate how long each step will take.
- Solicit Feedback and Revise: Have colleagues or external stakeholders review your draft. Fresh eyes can spot inconsistencies, errors, or unclear sections. Revise based on feedback to strengthen your proposal and ensure it meets all requirements.
Maximizing Your Security Budget with Financial Assistance
Using financial assistance effectively requires strategic planning and making the most of your resources. An efficient approach often involves combining resources from multiple funding sources and planning for long-term security investments. This allows you to get the most out of your financial assistance without leaving any vulnerability or gaps in your security.
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Combining Multiple Funding Sources
We’ve talked about the different forms of funding available for security system procurement. While any single option might work best for what you’re looking for, it’s also important to consider whether or not multiple options can work for you. Combining different funding sources—such as grants, rebates, and tax deductions—enables organizations to cover a wider range of security expenses.
To make sure you’re maximizing your efforts, start by identifying primary funding (like a federal or state grant) to cover core components, such as video surveillance systems or access control. Then look for supplementary funding, like local rebates, which can offset additional installation or training costs. Tax deductions for security-related expenses further reduce financial strain by lowering your taxable income, ensuring you can make the most of every dollar both now and in the months to come. By layering these funding sources, you can implement a comprehensive, high-quality security solution without exceeding your budget.
Long-Term Planning for Security Investments
Security needs are ongoing, making it essential to plan beyond the initial investment. When designing your security budget, consider total ownership costs, including system maintenance, software updates, and employee training. Assess grants that offer annual funding or multi-year programs, enabling you to refresh or expand systems as your organization grows or as threats evolve. Additionally, choose scalable, cloud-based security options that you can expand over time without needing a full system overhaul. This long-term perspective maximizes initial funding, allowing your organization to adapt to changing security requirements while keeping costs manageable.
Modern Security Solutions to Maximize Security and Savings
When you’re looking for the best way to use your security funding, Verkada is an excellent option that brings together video surveillance, access control, and intrusion alarm needs into one cohesive, customizable, and cloud-based package. With Verkada, organizations gain a scalable, user-friendly system that reduces installation and maintenance costs. Verkada’s technology maximizes the value of grant and rebate funds by providing comprehensive, easy-to-use security that grows with your needs. It also integrates seamlessly with your current operations, providing a seamless experience that not only adds physical security to your organization, but also incorporates it into everything you do.
Verkada For Schools:
Verkada helps schools secure campuses with features like real-time monitoring, remote access control, and visitor management systems that all integrate with one another. The system’s scalability and simplicity make it an ideal choice for budget-conscious schools using grant funds to prioritize student safety.
For Large Organizations:
Large organizations benefit from Verkada’s centralized, cloud-based platform, which enables remote monitoring and seamless management across multiple locations. Advanced analytics tools and point of sale integration provide valuable insights to enhance security operations and incident response.
For Nonprofits:
Verkada provides nonprofits with an affordable yet comprehensive security solution. The system’s ease of use and reliability make it suitable for high-risk institutions needing cost-effective protection. Whether you’re dealing with part-time staff or volunteers, Verkada systems are user-friendly enough to give anyone control over your property’s protection.
Learn how Second Chance uses Verkada’s hybrid cloud security system for proactive asset protection across their 250,000 square foot facility.
Try a Modern, Fully Integrated Security System for 30 Days
With Verkada, implementing a comprehensive security solution has never been easier or more accessible with the right funding. Whether you’re a school, nonprofit, or large organization, Verkada’s 30-day risk-free trial allows you to experience the system’s benefits without a full commitment upfront. This trial period is perfect for getting started, assessing the system’s impact, and demonstrating its effectiveness to stakeholders. Don’t wait to enhance your organization’s security—try Verkada risk-free for 30 days and see the difference it can make to your organization’s security.