*NOTE: Application period has closed and will reopen August 30th, 2024*

School Zone Grants

We all want to keep children protected everywhere they live, learn, and play. WTSC receives part of funding from tickets issued in school zones and walk routes. We use these funds to provide grants to keep school zones safe. Sometimes funds are available for flashing light school zone signs, which research show are the best signs for keeping traffic speeds low in school zones.

The WTSC offers two types of school zone grants:

School Zone Crossing Guard Grants

To help children walk and bike to school safely, each year we offer reimbursement grants to assist with crossing guard equipment.

We offer mini-grants up to $300 to existing patrols to help with training materials, equipment, and supplies for school zone crossing guards. This includes flags, cones, signs, whistles, vests, raincoats, gloves, and hats.

New school patrols – we offer up to $500 for schools starting new patrols.

AAA of Washington provides training support for crossing guard programs in Washington State. To be sure you receive the most current information, please make sure your crossing guard program is registered with them with up-to-date information. To register a new program or update your existing registration information, please contact Erin Rogers at ErinRogers@aaawa.com or 509-590-8085.

Learn More - AAA

Who Qualifies

To qualify for this grant, the application must be from a public, private or tribal elementary or middle school.

What’s Typically Funded

We fund training materials, equipment and supplies for school zone crossing guards. Allowable equipment includes flags, cones, signs, whistles, vests raincoats, gloves, and hats.

Your application must demonstrate how the requested items will directly benefit the crossing guard program. We are unable to approve items intended to assist with other purposes, such as social distancing.

Law Enforcement Grants

for School Zones

We assist law enforcement agencies throughout Washington by providing funds for traffic safety law enforcement equipment. These grant funds can be used to purchase radar, rain gear, and other equipment that is used to enforce school zone speed limits and keep kids safe on their way to school.

To qualify for this grant, you must be a law enforcement officer who is actively enforcing traffic safety in school zones.

How to Apply

Please note: DO NOT PURCHASE any equipment until you receive an email notification of grant award from the WTSC. Purchases made before the grant application is approved are ineligible for reimbursement.

Step 1 - Log-on to WEMS

Go to WEMS (WTSC Enterprise Management System) https://wtsc.smartsimple.com

Step 2 - Organization Name

If you are a new user you will need to register for School Grants on the left hand side of the screen.
Enter your organization name and proceed with your contact information and submit.
You will receive an email with login instructions within an hour (be sure to check your junk mailbox).

Step 3 - Email Received

After you receive your email, log into WEMS and click “Start Proposal” next to Crossing Guard (School Zone) or Law Enforcement under “Call for Proposals”. (Check your junk mailbox).

Step 4 - Start Application Process

Be sure to start the application process by clicking “SAVE DRAFT.” You’ll see a link to a document called “Guidelines/Instructions” where you’ll see more details about the application process.
Write a brief description of how the equipment your wish to purchase with support school zone safety in the “Grant Justification” section.

Step 5 - Upload Information and Submit

Enter the desired items you wish to purchase (only items selected here will be eligible for reimbursement).
Upload quotes for the equipment you wish to purchase. For Crossing Guards, maximum reimbursement is $300 or $500 for new patrols.
Submit your proposal.

Step 6 - Approval

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email grant approval confirmation. Your application must be approved before you purchase items

Deadlines

Grants open annually on August 1 and close on April 30 the following year. Each elementary and middle school is eligible to receive one grant per school year.

How to Apply - PDF School Zone Grants - FAQs

How to Get Your Reimbursement

For Crossing Guard: After you receive your equipment, send us your completed A-19 form and proof of purchase within 60 days of approval date. WTSC will reimburse the requesting agency/school district for the expenses incurred (up to $300 or $500 for new patrols). WTSC will not reimburse individuals.

For Law Enforcement: After you receive your equipment, go to your WEMS account and select reimbursement, create your invoice, and proof-of-purchase within 90 days of approval date. Your agency will be reimbursed upon receipt of complete documentation.

Questions

Or Abby Williams if you need any assistance with your application.

Contact

Phone: (360) 725-9860
Fax: (360) 586-6489