Top 5 Grants for ALPR Systems in 2025—and How to Apply

Bill Shafley
Apr 15
2 min read

Updated: Apr 17

You don’t need a million-dollar budget to protect your community. You just need the right grant.

Every year, millions in local, state, and federal funding go unused—not because departments don’t need help, but because no one showed them how to get it.

Whether you're trying to upgrade aging tech or deploy ALPR in every patrol car, these five grant programs can help you make it happen—without cutting from other priorities.

Let’s break them down.

1. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) – Federal

Who can apply: Cities, counties, and state agencies
Funding range: $10,000 to $1,000,000+
Use case: Technology, equipment, officer safety tools
Deadline: Typically late summer
Why it matters: One of the most flexible federal grants—ALPR is a qualified expense.

Pro tip: Highlight how your ALPR system improves officer safety and community responsiveness. JAG reviewers love impact-driven proposals.

2. State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) – State-Allocated Federal Funds

Who can apply: State and local law enforcement
Funding range: Varies by state—up to $250,000+
Use case: Tech that improves homeland security, intelligence sharing, or terrorism prevention
Deadline: State-dependent
Why it matters: Mobile ALPR qualifies if it improves situational awareness or helps secure key areas.

Pro tip: Emphasize data sharing with fusion centers and regional collaboration.

3. Local Law Enforcement Block Grants (LLEBG) – County-Level

Who can apply: Local law enforcement agencies through county governments
Funding range: $5,000 to $100,000
Use case: Tech modernization, including ALPR
Deadline: Rolling or annual
Why it matters: Easier to apply, often faster approval than federal programs.

Pro tip: Pair this with Aeye4’s affordability—show you can outfit more cars per dollar than traditional vendors.

4. Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program – Federal

Who can apply: State, tribal, and local governments
Funding range: $250,000+
Use case: Innovative technology, public safety projects
Deadline: Annual
Why it matters: Designed for next-generation public safety tools—a perfect match for Aeye’s AiLPR platform.

Pro tip: Frame Aeye4 as an AI-driven force multiplier that reduces risk without increasing headcount.

5. Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) – State-Federal Match

Who can apply: Departments with highway or traffic enforcement focus
Funding range: $25,000 to $500,000+
Use case: Traffic safety, vehicle enforcement, crash prevention
Deadline: Varies by state
Why it matters: If you’re using ALPR for traffic enforcement, HSIP can help pay for it.

Pro tip: Emphasize how real-time vehicle identification reduces dangerous encounters and improves roadway safety.

Bonus: Tips to Win Your ALPR Grant

✅ Start early—some grants take 4–6 weeks to prepare✅ Use data to justify the need (e.g., stolen vehicle rates, traffic stops, coverage gaps)✅ Show cost-effectiveness—ai4 is ~70% less than traditional systems✅ Emphasize officer safety and fleet scalability✅ Partner with us—we’ll help you with sample language and supporting documents