Steps and Considerations for Grant Funding

Securing grant funding for law enforcement technology equipment involves a strategic and well-prepared approach. Here are steps and considerations for law enforcement agencies looking to obtain grant funding:

1. Identify Funding Opportunities:

• Federal Grants: Explore grant programs offered by federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office. 
• State and Local Grants: Many states and local governments provide grant opportunities for law enforcement. Check with your state’s Department of Justice office or equivalent agency for available funding. 

2. Understand Grant Eligibility and Requirements:

• Carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for each grant opportunity. Ensure that your agency meets the specified criteria before applying. 

3. Develop a Clear Project Proposal: 

• Clearly define the purpose, goals, and expected outcomes of the project for which you are seeking funding.   Be specific about how the grant funds will be utilized.
  For example: The urgent need to equip our law enforcement with advanced field detection technology cannot be overstated. It is a matter of public safety and national concern, as we strive to halt the record-breaking fatalities caused by potent synthetic opioids and protect our communities from their harrowing impact. 

4. Know Where to Get Your Statistics: 

• Statistics that are applicable to how your use of funds will produce a better outcome.
  For example: Wait time to obtain results from the forensic lab when seeking probable cause could be reduced from weeks to minutes and help reduce lab backlog.  

5. Budget Planning:

• Create a budget for how the grant funds will be allocated. Most companies will give you a quote that covers everything (training, support, warranty) into a single price.  Be sure that you capture consumables in your budget.

6. Collaborate with Stakeholders:

• Engage with organizations who are willing to support the project through advocacy.
  For example: the Voices to Prevent Fentanyl Overdose Deaths has a similar interest in seeing this equipment reduce the number of counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl available in our community. 

7. Grant Writing:

• Any grant proposal should be compelling, honest, and tell your community’s story. Proposals are often reviewed by peers who are in other parts of the country who are in similar circumstances and are likely to relate.
  For example: As the opioid epidemic continues to claim American lives at an unprecedented rate, our law enforcement agencies confront formidable challenges, particularly in detecting fentanyl. The absence of essential trace detection tools places officers in perilous situations and undermines their capacity to effectively combat the threat. 

8. Utilize Grant Writing Assistance Services: 

• If available, consider leveraging grant writing assistance services. These services can provide valuable support in crafting a competitive grant proposal.
  For example: 908 Devices works with Lexipol grant writing services.  

9. Contact the Managing Agency for Advice:

• Most grant programs are managed by a small group of people at the federal and state levels. Reach out to your State Administering Agency (SAA) for some additional guidance on the grants. Ask if they can send you examples of previous successful grant applications.

10. Submit the Application:

• Be aware of deadlines and ensure all necessary forms are prepared for submission. Ensure that you submit your grant application before the deadline and in accordance with the application guidelines. Pay attention to any required supporting documents or additional information. Some grants may have two-part submissions with two different deadlines.

11. Follow-Up and Reporting:

• If you decide to apply for a grant and have a choice between different grants, be sure to pay attention to the post-award reporting requirements. 

12. Seek Professional Assistance:

• Consider consulting with grant writing professionals, especially if your agency lacks experience in securing grant funding. Professional assistance can increase the quality and competitiveness of your grant applications.

Remember that grant funding for law enforcement is competitive, and successful applications often demonstrate a clear need for funding, a well-planned project, and a commitment to accountability and transparency. Regularly monitor grant opportunities and stay informed about changes in eligibility criteria or application processes.