Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Grant Funding Available for East Texas Region
East Texas Council of Governments • December 15, 2020
Local governments, independent school districts, colleges, universities, non-profit organizations, and state agencies can now apply for grant funds from the Governor’s Office, Criminal Justice Division, and Homeland Security Program. New applicants and continuing applicants in ETCOG’s fourteen (14) county region are invited to attend FREE grant application workshops hosted by the ETCOG Public Safety division. Training for both the Criminal Justice Division and the Homeland Security Program will be held virtually. Grant funding is available for the following programs:
Criminal Justice
- General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program (VOCA)
- Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program (VAWA)
- Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Grant Program (Juvenile)
- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Programs (JAG)
Homeland Security
- State Homeland Security Program – Regular Projects (SHSP)
- State Homeland Security Program - Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA)
“The goal is to improve public safety and support victims of crime by filling gaps in the region via funding that promotes innovative solutions to regional problems,” said ETCOG’s Public Safety Director Stephanie Heffner. “We help applicants understand what needs to go into their grant applications and what they have to track once they receive funding from the state, so we can successfully bring public safety projects to East Texas.”
To apply for funding, you must attend a MANDATORY grant application workshop. Workshops will be held separately and are still mandatory for applicants who apply for both Criminal Justice and Homeland Security funding. There will be nine workshop opportunities this year, with approximately 60 to 75 agencies estimated to be trained. Workshops will be held on the following dates:
Criminal Justice
To participate in a virtual workshop, visit https://www.pineywoods911.com/criminal-justice
at any of the following dates and times, and click “Join Here.”
- Thursday, December 17, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, January 5, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 13, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, January 27, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Homeland Security
To participate in a virtual workshop, visit https://www.pineywoods911.com/homeland-security
at any of the following dates and times, and click “Join Here.”
- Thursday, December 17, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, December 17, 2020, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Thursday, December 31, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, January 7, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, January 28, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
