The safety and security of all who enter our Catholic churches and schools has always been a priority of the Catholic Bishops of Ohio. The Catholic Conference of Ohio continually advocates with state legislators for grant funding to establish and maintain safe worship spaces and secure educational environments. The following grants are available:
Parishes/Churches:
State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG) - open to nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, and chartered nonpublic schools, and licensed preschools for funding for eligible security improvements. (Application period is now OPEN – apply by 12pm on October 17, 2025)
Schools:
State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG) - open to nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, and chartered nonpublic schools, and licensed preschools for funding for eligible security improvements. (Application period is now OPEN – apply by 12pm on October 17, 2025)
School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) Program – open to eligible Ohio employers who want to purchase equipment to significantly improve the safety and security of facilities and to reduce or eliminate injuries or illnesses associated with providing educational services to children.
Ohio Attorney General’s School Safety Grant – school leaders may apply for both a traditional per-pupil-funded grant and a larger project-based grant. Grants are first-come, first-served and the next application window will open around February 2026.
Auxiliary Services – schools may now use auxiliary service funding for retired police officers to serve as school safety officers.
For more resources on school safety, visit the Ohio School Safety Center.
Other Resources: