Sophia Vomvoris
Sophia Vomvoris joined McAllister & Quinn in 2022 and currently serves as a Senior Research Analyst for the firm’s Nonprofit & Public Agencies Practice. In this role, she contributes to the practice’s business development and government relations efforts, manages internal data, provides strategic analysis on policy and legislative developments related to funding opportunities that align with our clients' objectives.
What You Need to Know About a Stable Funding Landscape with a Growing Focus on Mental Health
In early February 2026, Congress finalized appropriations shaping federal investment in K-12 school safety. While overall funding remains relatively stable, the final bill reflects meaningful shifts in priorities, particularly in support for mental health, threat prevention, and equitable access to resources
For school districts, state agencies, and nonprofit partners, understanding these changes is key to successfully navigating upcoming grant opportunities and aligning programs with federal priorities.
Across agencies, federal school safety efforts are centered on:
Congress also directed agencies to make funding more accessible by increasing grant timelines, expanding technical assistance, and providing clear feedback to applicants.
Many of these priorities continue to be shaped by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which established or expanded several of the programs funded annually.
Current Federal Agency Funding Opportunities
Department of Health and Human Services:
Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency) Grant Program: This program supports state and Tribal efforts to expand mental health services in schools, including early intervention and trauma-informed care.
FY26 Funding: $126.6 million (slight decrease from FY 25)
Tribal Set-Aside: At least 10%
Department of Justice
The COPS School Violence Prevention Grant Program: Supports school security improvements such as access controls (i.e., locks, doors, etc.), surveillance and detection systems, emergency communications, and coordination with law enforcement.
FY26 Funding: $53 million (level funding plus $82 million (level funding plus funding from BSCA)
Department of Justice
BJA STOP School Violence Grant Program aims to improve school safety by enhancing school climate, establishing threat assessment teams, implementing anonymous reporting tools, and employing other evidence-based violence prevention strategies. Focus areas include threat-assessment training, anonymous reporting systems, mental-health crisis intervention, and violence-prevention initiatives.
FY26 Funding: $82 million (level funding plus funding from BSCA)
Department of Education
Stronger Connections Grants Program Supports safety best practices in high-need and rural districts, including technology, equipment, and minor facility upgrades. Check with your State Local Education Agency for open competitions.
FY26 Funding: $20 million
Department of Education
School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program provides competitive grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) to increase the number of credentialed school-based mental health service providers delivering mental health services to students in high-need LEAs.
FY26 Funding: $82 million (plus funding from BSCA
Requirements:
- 50% of funds must go directly to school districts
- 25% non-federal match required
Department of Education
Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grant Program focuses on training and placing school-based mental health professionals, helping address workforce shortages.
FY26 Funding: $431 million
- $190 million (includes up to $6 million for Project
Department of Education
21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program supports after-school and expanded learning programs. Congress emphasized reducing administrative burden, particularly for rural grantees.
FY 26 Funding: $1.329 billion (level funding)
Department of Education
School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) Provides short-term funding to help schools recover from violent or traumatic events, including counseling services, crisis response support, and restoring safe learning environments.
FY 26 Funding: $431 Million
- $190 million (includes up to $6 million for Project SERV specifically)
- $150 million for broader violence prevention activities
- $91 million for state-level safety initiatives
New Competitive Grant Opportunities to Watch:
Supports enhanced training through federal law enforcement training centers.
FY26 Funding: $20 million
Supports implementation of best practices identified in the DOJ’s 2024 Robb Elementary School critical incident review, including interior-locking doors, metal detectors and deterrent measures, emergency communications upgrades, security personnel, and coordinated safety training exercises.
FY26 Funding: $20 million
Strategy Matters. Now More Than Ever.
This could make funding more accessible but also more competitive. The strongest applicants will be those who prioritize mental health and prevention, align with evidence-based strategies, and take advantage of new access and support opportunities.
We Can Help You Turn Opportunities Into Competitive Wins
Navigating these funding opportunities requires more than awareness; it takes a coordinated strategy. If your school district or organization is interested in applying, reach out to our team to assess eligibility, prioritize opportunities, and develop a competitive application plan.