Milestone Launches Grant Program for Security Projects Funding

Milestone Systems is offering a new grant program to help education, healthcare, and non-profit organizations in the United States secure grants for purchasing security software and systems that they likely otherwise would not be able to afford. In addition, the program supports end customers throughout the entire grant process – from application to funding to management – assisting with a potentially overwhelming experience.

Note that availability, eligibility, and funding priorities can change over time, so checking each organization's website for the most up-to-date information is essential. The grant program with Milestone helps customers with this process.

Here are a few funding programs worth considering:

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Various grant programs, such as the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) and Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), provide funding for physical security enhancements.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): CISA offers resources and guidance on physical security and may occasionally provide funding opportunities.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): The COPS Office offers grants beneficial for various public safety initiatives, including physical security enhancements.
Office of Justice Programs (OJP): The OJP manages several grant programs that may fund physical security improvements, such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program.

Department of Education (ED)

School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP): The SVPP provides funding for schools to improve physical security, such as the installation of surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and other safety equipment.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): HRSA may offer grant programs, including funding for physical security improvements for healthcare facilities.

Remember that state and local governments, foundations, and other non-profit organizations, may also offer funding opportunities for physical security. With Milestone’s grant-writing service, we’ll research possibilities specific to your region and organization type, as there may be additional funding sources for physical security improvements. It’s essential to stay informed about current grant programs and eligibility criteria, as these can change over time. Our team helps you stay up-to-date with information on relevant grants for you and your organization.

Millions of dollars in federal, state, and local grant funding opportunities go untapped yearly. Many businesses and organizations don’t even try for grants because they are often hard to find, have complex applications, and require tedious post-funding reporting. However, due to continued violence and threats on education and healthcare campuses, grant opportunities for security improvements in these organizations are increasing.

Tom Young is an A&E Manager in the United States for Milestone. He says, “The Federal Emergency Management Agency is probably the biggest provider of funds for schools, hospitals, and churches. However, other government agencies have funding set up for certain types of at-risk organizations. There are funding programs for anti-bullying, cybersecurity, or anti-violence. These agencies provide grants to help fund security projects for end customers. Beyond the federal government, state and local governments also have grant funds that are available for security projects.”

On the federal level, the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) are just two of the many programs that specifically offer assistance for video surveillance and related security equipment and software.

Milestone has partnered with EMD Security Grant Services to help education and healthcare organizations navigate the security grant landscape from start to finish. Some companies offer grant writing but lack any security expertise, and some security companies provide consulting but do not have grant-writing skills. EMD has experience in security consulting and grant assistance, which has yielded an impressive success rate in obtaining and managing grants over the last 15 years. The good news is that grant awards typically include management fees that cover the cost of the assistance provided by companies like EMD.

Elisa Mula, the owner of EMD, brings a level of skill and service that most companies can’t match. However, Elisa says, “The harder part of supporting these programs is the aftermath. Once candidates receive the grant award, the second half is what gets the funds into the end customer’s hands. When funding is awarded, the government wants to know what the money will be used for. That information must be documented and forms that the agency requires must be completed. So, the agencies realized the process is complex and complicated, and many of their grant awardees are just forfeiting their funds because they can't figure out how to do it. So that is where we come in to help.”

The Milestone Grant Program encourages security dealers and installers to identify education and healthcare customers that would benefit from a grant that can enhance, replace, or even deploy a security solution. EMD and Milestone will then connect with these candidates to find the right grant solution and walk the customer through the process.

The Milestone Grant Program will: