Yet for many schools, securing funding for security upgrades can feel like an impossible task.
At ZeroEyes, we see this struggle and believe that safety should never be compromised in the name of budget concerns.
That’s why we created the ZeroEyes School Safety Fund.
It offers a lifeline—up to $40,000—to help schools gain access to our proactive gun detection technology.
And any K–12 school with a physical campus in the United States is eligible.
Here, we’ll share everything you need to know about the ZeroEyes School Safety Fund: what’s included, how to apply, and how we provide support to all schools—even those not selected for the grant.
More Than Just Numbers: The Urgent Reality of School Gun Violence
In 2024, over 1,400 gun-related incidents ripped through U.S. K–12 schools.
That number is more than just a sobering statistic. It represents countless moments of terror for students and educators that left lasting wounds on communities.
Many of these events begin in areas that aren’t actively monitored, like entryways, stairwells, and parking lots. These threats often aren’t identified immediately, which slows down the response time.
ZeroEyes offers a vital layer of defense by helping schools detect visible weapons in these areas during critical early moments.
By rapidly identifying and verifying threats, we can help first responders react faster when every moment is crucial.
The goal is simple: to identify threats at first sight—not first shot.
A Mission Grounded in Service
ZeroEyes began with a simple question: “Dad, are they going to come in and shoot my school like these other schools?”
These words were spoken by the daughter of Mike Lahiff, ZeroEyes co-founder and CEO. It was shortly after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, and she’d just had her first active shooter drill at school.
At the time, Lahiff was at a loss for how to respond. But as a solution-oriented Navy SEAL veteran, he was motivated to find an answer.
ZeroEyes is the evolution of that response.
Founded by elite technologists and three of Lahiff’s fellow SEAL veterans, ZeroEyes’ mission has been clear from the start: To help stop gun violence through proactive, intelligent detection.
Driven by decades of military and security experience, our technology leverages cutting-edge AI with a layer of highly-trained human verification—ensuring gun threats are identified quickly, responsibly, and with minimal disruption to daily life.
The result is a system designed not only to strengthen campus safety but to do so in a way that respects student privacy and seamlessly integrates into your school’s existing operations.
Let’s talk about how.
How ZeroEyes Technology Works
ZeroEyes works with your existing security cameras—no need for a costly overhaul or new infrastructure.
Once connected, the ZeroEyes software continuously scans for visible, illegally brandished firearms.
If a potential gun is detected, an alert is sent to the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), which is staffed 24/7 by U.S. military veterans and former law enforcement professionals.
These trained analysts review every alert in real time. When a threat is verified, ZeroEyes can notify first responders and school officials within just 3 to 5 seconds—enabling a faster reaction time when it matters most.
This process is minimally invasive. There is no facial recognition, and we don’t collect biometric data. The system, which is operated entirely within school-owned infrastructure, is focused on identifying threats—not invading staff and student privacy.
Speaking to our track record of excellent service, ZeroEyes is the first gun detection platform to receive the Department of Homeland Security’s SAFETY Act Designation as an effective measure against active shooter situations.
What the $40,000 Grant Covers
The ZeroEyes School Safety Fund strives to make implementation as accessible as possible.
For some schools, the full cost of deployment and monitoring for one school year falls within the scope of the award. In situations involving larger campuses or more complex security setups, the school may be responsible for the remaining balance. (Keep reading to find out how you can potentially get help with any outstanding balances as well.)
As for duration, the grant covers the 2025–2026 academic year. Future years may require separate funding through district budgets, local fundraising, or supplemental grants. ZeroEyes works closely with schools to minimize long-term costs wherever possible.
Even schools that aren’t selected for the grant can benefit. We’re committed to helping schools find other ways to fund crucial safety measures, thanks to our meticulous funding research and grant-writing teams.
Let’s dig in a little further…
Ongoing Support Through Fundraising
In addition to the ZeroEyes School Safety Fund, we provide a DonorBox campaign for each nominated school.
These campaigns allow communities to raise funds to help cover implementation costs or support ongoing service into future school years.
Just $3 to $8 per student per month may be enough to maintain coverage beyond the grant period. Parents, PTAs, alumni groups, local businesses, and nonprofit partners are all welcome to contribute.
100% of the funds raised go directly toward school protection efforts.
ZeroEyes Fund: Eligibility & Nominations
Interested in nominating your school? Here’s what you need to know.
Any K–12 school with a physical campus in the United States is eligible for a ZeroEyes School Safety Fund grant.
Anyone can submit a nomination—parents, teachers, staff, school board members, law enforcement, and even concerned community members.
Multiple nominations are not only permitted but encouraged. Each additional nomination helps demonstrate local support and strengthens a school’s application.
We review submissions based on several factors, including:
- The school’s level of need and overall vulnerability
- The district’s history of threats and incidents
- Total number of nominations received
- Availability of other funding resources
Recipients will be notified on or around May 20, 2025, with implementation will begin ahead of the 2025–2026 school year.
How to Nominate a School
Submitting a nomination is simple, and it only takes a few minutes:
- Use the form above or visit the ZeroEyes Fund nomination page.
- You’ll be directed to a short form where you’ll enter your school’s details and a brief note on why safety matters.
- Share the nomination page link with your community to strengthen your school’s nomination: https://zeroeyes.com/zeroeyes-fund/
Every nomination sends a message: This school is supported by people committed to finding a better safety solution.
Key Dates and What’s Next
- Nominations close: May 9, 2025
- Review and selection: Mid-May
- Notification of winner: On or about May 20, 2025
- Deployment of coverage: Begins before the 2025–2026 school year
Support for non-winning schools: Alternative funding pathways provided
Ready to Take the Next Step?
In closing, we’d like to share a message shared by a parent during the nomination process:
“Nothing is more important than giving my daughter a normal school experience—where she can focus on learning, not fear.”
Each nomination is more than a form—it’s a story. And each one shares a common goal: take action before tragedy strikes.
You don’t have to be a school administrator to get involved. Parents, coaches, educators, and neighbors all play a role in making campuses safer.
So nominate your school. Share the opportunity. Contribute if you can. Together, we can give students and staff the tools they need to feel safer and more supported.
