FY2026 MCSS School Safety Grants is sponsored by Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS). Four school safety-focused grants (Safe Schools Fund, Hate Crimes, SRO, Facility Mapping) open to LEAs, schools, childcare centers.

Accessibility Information The mission of Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) is to promote and enhance safer school communities. This is done through various training, grants, and community outreach programs. There are four different grants available in fiscal year 2026.

They include the Hate Crimes Grant, the Safe Schools Fund Grant, the School Resource Officer Grant; and the School Facility Mapping Grant. These grants are open to Local Education Agencies (LEAs), local law enforcement agencies, non-public and private schools, and childcare centers in Maryland. The eligibility requirements for each grant may differ.

Review each grant's Notification of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information. Select the Grant type for more information. ​ School Resource Officer (SRO) Grant School Facility Mapping Grant ​ ​ For past grants and offerings, check the Grants Archive page .

​ Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy Maryland Department of Education Bureau of Justice Assistance​​​ ​Department of Justice Grants The above links are not affiliated with the Maryland Center for School Safety. For all inquiries regarding the above programs and grants, please contact the authoritative agencies. ​​ ​ Frequently Asked Questions on MCSS Grants: ​​ How can I check the status of my application?

Except for the non-competitive grants, all applications received will be reviewed after the deadline for each grant submission has been reached. Generally, an entity can expect a notice of grant award approval/denial within thirty to sixty days after the deadline for submission has been reached. Please refer to the “Important Dates” section in your NOFA for more information.

You may also reach out to directly to the MCSS Grants Management team via email at [email protected] . When should I expect my notice of approval or denial? Generally, an entity can expect a notice of grant award /denial within thirty to sixty days after the submission deadline.

​ ​​ Why do I need to submit a W-9 when I applied and received an award in the past? ​ This is to ensure that MCSS has the most accurate organization EIN and address on file to allow proper disbursement of Can my organization still apply even though I may have received funding for this grant in the past? ​ Yes.

All applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be considered. ​ Would I be able to amend my grant after it has already been approved? Yes.

In order to amend or realign grant funds, please fill out the Grant Realignment Request form under Post Award documents available on our website. All relevant support documentation for the request must be attached. When can I submit my invoices or reimbursement requests?

​ Depending on the type of Grant, invoices may be submitted on a quarterly or bi-annual basis. Awards deemed not in compliance will result in invoices not getting paid. Proof of completion of work must be included with all submissions.

​ Is this a multi-year grant? No. Funds allocated through this grant are only available for use in the fiscal year in which it is granted. Refer to NOFA for the specific grant performance period.

​ Can I withdraw my application? What if I was already approved? Yes.

An application may be withdrawn. Please send an email to [email protected] ​ to withdraw your application. You may also request to cancel an application that has already been approved for which a NOGA was not provided.

Please send an email to [email protected] ​ with request. An award which has already been approved with a NOGA issued, may be terminated by one or both parties with written notice. If the award is terminated before the end of the funding period, an accounting of the year-to-date expenses must be provided within 30 calendar days after termination.

What is acceptable as proof of payment if I do not have copies of the cancelled checks? Additional forms of proof of payment may include the bank statement or credit card statement with dates and payment amounts highlighted. If payment is made via ACH, submit a screenshot of the bank name, payment date and the amount.

​​ ​ When do I use the “Adjustment” line on the invoice template when submitting a request for reimbursement? If you are submitting a reimbursement amount more than the grant award amount, use the “Adjustment" line on the invoice template to adjust the invoice amount down to the award amount. ​​ ​​ When completing the required compliance reports, do I need to submit both the 4th Quarter Progress Report and the Final Project Report?

​ Yes, both the 4th Quarter Progress Report and the Final Project Report should be submitted. The quarterly progress report provides grant activities completed during the quarter. The final project report closes out the grant and allows you to request a reimbursement.

​​ What if I have more questions after reviewing the NOFA? ​ You may reach out to MCSS by sending an email to [email protected] ​ ​. What happens when the grant primary point of contact (POC) changes?

If there is a change in the organization’s primary point of contact (POC), fill out the Grant Realignment Form​ to request the change. You may also send an email to [email protected] ​ ​ with information about the change. Authorization from the Head of Organization is required for any third party POC designee request.

What is the best way to reach the MCSS Grants Unit? Email: [email protected] ​ ​. ​ What is required to request reimbursement?

Invoice template – filled out of payment (e.g. posted checks, credit card statements, ACH/EFT bank How do I know if my organization is eligible for a particular grant? Please refer to the “Eligibility Criteria” on the NOFA to confirm if your organization is eligible to apply. ​ We're available on the following channels.

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