Applications will be accepted beginning August 3rd.

SDIS members are eligible to apply for a matching grant to help fund expenses related to projects that mitigate exposures to safety and security threats.

The SDIS Safety & Security Grant Program assists members with funding of projects that lead to reduced exposure in property and liability claim categories. It is our goal to eliminate or lower the risk to the SDIS Insurance Program by supporting members’ proactive approaches to preventing loss.

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM?
The 2026-2027 matching grant program will focus on projects that mitigate property and liability losses and enhance security at your district.

WHAT DOES “MATCHING GRANT” MEAN?
This is a 50/50 matching grant program, which means the cost of the project will be split equally between your district and SDIS, up to a maximum of $2,500.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “A MAXIMUM OF $2,500”?
If your district is planning a $5,000 project, you can apply to receive a maximum of $2,500 from SDIS.

HOW ARE PROJECTS SELECTED FOR A GRANT?
The SDIS Safety & Security Grant Committee will review each application and award matching grants to applicants that meet the eligibility requirements by order of priority and on a first come, first served basis.

PRIORITY FOR FUNDING
Applicants who have never received an SDIS Safety & Security Grant will be given priority over those who have received one in the previous year. All other applicants will then be considered in the order received. 

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Your district may apply for any NEW project that supports the focus of this year’s program. A great example is securing your facilities from break-ins by adding security cameras, purchasing backup generators to continue operations during a power loss or adding firewalls to your computers to help prevent cybercrimes.

Other examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Equipment for Winter Storm Damage Prevention
• Alarms
• Window Film
• Securing Valuables
• Cybersecurity Equipment
• Computers
• Security Systems
• Fencing
• Lighting
• Cameras

Expenses must be incurred after July 1, 2026 and districts that have been approved do not have wait for the funds to start their projects. Routine maintenance to existing facilities, subscription based or recurring payment services, and normal business expenses will not be considered.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The purpose of this program is to reduce risk exposures by assisting our members to complete safety and security related projects. Your district must have insurance coverage for the risk exposure you are trying to mitigate. For example, if you do not have property coverage through SDIS, a project that prevents burglary would not be considered.

Since SDIS no longer provides workers’ compensation insurance, unfortunately, we cannot accept grant applications for employee safety exposures.

HOW CAN WE APPLY?

Application information for the 2026-27 program will be available August 3rd.