Government grants are available to local law enforcement agencies, community organizations and private firms that provide community services. Grants are available through the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and other law enforcement related departments. State government agencies also provide various opportunities to apply for a government grant in law enforcement.
Instructions
1. Develop a plan that serves a specific need in the community that either works to prevent crime or offers assistance to local law enforcement agencies. The plan may involve staffing that already exists within your organization or requires additional resources that need funding. Consider the target population for the service, the length of the project, projected results and how you will achieve those results. Develop a budget based on those parameters.
2. Look for a grant that complements the project. Research the federal government database of available grants at Grants.gov. Use the tools on the site to modify your search for law enforcement grants. All federal agencies are required to list their available funding through this site.
3. Find state grants through law enforcement agencies and the state attorney general's office. For example, grants are available in Florida through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Contact your Secretary of State's office to find the appropriate agencies in your state.
4. Attend informational meetings, which are often provided by the granting agency that can help define the parameters of your project, as well as provide tips on win the grant award.
5. Send for the grant application. Pay attention to deadlines and other requirements of the grant application. The closer you follow the grant application guidelines, the better chance you have of receiving the funding. Write the grant and send it in.
6. Apply for private grants targeted to community organizations that form community/police partnerships. The Met Life Foundation gives small grants up to $25,000 to groups that present drafts of proposals to work with local government agencies to control crime in their areas. Though not covered by government grant regulations, many of the private grants can serve as matching funds for government grants requiring additional sources of funding.
