I recently had a conversation with a community member regarding grants, and I realized this is a topic many people may not know a great deal about — or how government agencies use them for various operational needs.

Over the past 20 years, I have researched, submitted, and successfully obtained numerous grants to help the Sheriff’s Department — and, by extension, our community — acquire resources we otherwise would not have been able to obtain. In the world of grants, there are two primary areas we look to support: the purchase of equipment and staff time.

One of the arguments I have heard in opposition to grants is that this is not “free” money, but rather taxpayer money. While this is correct, these funds have already been allocated at either the state or federal level, usually for a specific purpose in response to a given need. An example of this type of grant would be our “Click It or Ticket” grant. These grants are based on the number of reportable accidents in which seat belts were not used, and therefore greater education and enforcement are prioritized. Although we enforce such violations 365 days a year, these funds allow us to pay dedicated overtime for this effort.

Another recent example is our body-worn cameras. This technology has become an expectation, and the costs of both the cameras themselves and the supporting technology are significant. Through a federal grant, we were able to secure financial support for the equipment, software and staff time needed to implement the technology. In any potential grant opportunity, if it is determined that our community could benefit from such funds, it would be financially negligent not to pursue them.

Before going into more detail on these categories, it is important to note that not all grants are created equal. Some grants provide 100% support, while others are classified as “matching” grants. In matching grants, the entity providing the grant (either federal or state) covers a portion, while the applying entity (local government) is responsible for the remainder. This is an important distinction, as we must ensure our local government is aware of and supports that matching portion.

A primary consideration when applying for grants is the expectations that accompany them. If a grant is for equipment we would be purchasing regardless, it can be a great opportunity to acquire that equipment while reducing the burden on local budgets. I am not a proponent of chasing “shiny” items that are not essential to our community’s needs or may only be used once in a generation. This was evident during COVID-19, when a significant amount of grant funding was available. We were able to use some of those resources in ways that continue to benefit us today.

Another consideration is sustainability. Some grants may cover costs for the first few years of implementation, but those costs then shift to local budgets after the grant period ends. Again, if those costs would have been incurred anyway, having initial implementation support makes sense.

The Sheriff’s Department is not alone in this approach. We have partnered with numerous county departments over the years, as local collaboration is often a requirement and increases the likelihood of success in grant applications. The most rewarding aspect is that local agencies have strong working relationships, and when those relationships are leveraged effectively in pursuit of resources, it is a win-win for our community.

If you have any questions about grants, please feel free to reach out to me so we can continue the conversation at (920) 255-1100.