The Security and Assistance For Enterprises (SAFE) Grant Program is a City of Santa Fe initiative led by the Office of Economic Development (OED) in partnership with the Community Services Department (CSD).

SAFE is part of OED’s Community Investment Program and provides financial assistance to small businesses for crime prevention, safety improvements, and recovery from incidents such as break-ins, theft, and vandalism.

SAFE supports eligible businesses in making proactive security investments or completing necessary repairs to remain open and operational following an incident.

Approved businesses may also participate in the Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) Business Watch program and receive a security site assessment with practical safety guidance.

• Support proactive investments that deter criminal activity and improve business safety
• Assist small businesses in recovering from recent incidents through funding for repairs and operational stabilization
• Help businesses remain open, active, and resilient while contributing to safe, welcoming commercial environments
• Reduce the likelihood and impact of disruptive incidents on Santa Fe’s small business community
• Promote public safety and community well-being through vibrant, thriving commercial districts
• Support modest exterior and beautification improvements that enhance visibility, upkeep, and pride of place as part of a broader safety strategy

• Approximately $210,000 is available through individual reimbursement-based awards
• Eligible businesses may receive up to $5,000 per incident
• Maximum $15,000 per business across the life of the program

Funding Cycles & Deadlines

• Awards are made on a rolling basis aligned with the City’s fiscal year
• Funds awarded in FY26 must be expended by June 30, 2026
• Funds awarded in future cycles must be expended by June 30 of the applicable fiscal year (e.g., June 30, 2027)
• The program will remain open until funds are fully expended

Applicants Must:

• Hold a current City of Santa Fe business license and State of New Mexico registration
• Be located within City of Santa Fe limits
• Operate a small business (50 or fewer employees) in an occupied, customer-facing location (including food trucks)
• Have incurred or plan to incur an eligible expense
• Provide a police report when available, or other documentation as confirmed by the City
• Participate in, or commit to participating in, SFPD’s Business Watch program and a site security assessment
• Be in good standing with the City of Santa Fe
• Demonstrate legal occupancy or control of the business location
• Incident(s) must have occurred on or after January 1, 2025

This list is not exhaustive. Other expenses may be considered if they align with the program’s purpose of prevention, mitigation, recovery, and improved business safety.

Property Repair & Recovery

• Temporary window or door board-up
• Window, door, or gate repair or replacement
• Graffiti removal or mural repair
• Sign repair or replacement
• Repair or replacement of damaged interior fixtures or equipment due to criminal activity (excluding routine maintenance)

Security & Access Improvements

• Security gates, reinforced glass, locks, and entryway improvements
• Interior, exterior, and overhead door replacement
• Scissor gate installation

Security & Prevention Equipment

(Personnel costs are not eligible)

• Security cameras
• Security lighting and exterior lighting installation or repair
• Alarm system repair, installation, or monitoring
• Safes and secure cash-handling or lockable storage

Environmental Design & Beautification

• CPTED-aligned improvements such as fencing, landscaping, pathways, or sightline improvements
• Wayfinding and visibility enhancements
• Pro-social placemaking improvements that support positive activity and community presence

Exterior Space Security

• Security improvements to dumpsters, service alleys, storage areas, or exterior enclosures

Funding Limitations

• Funds may be used for hard costs only (materials, fixtures, equipment rentals)
• Labor and personnel costs are not eligible
• Receipts and proof of payment required
• Limited exceptions may be considered for licensed professional services (e.g., engineers, architects, contractors), subject to City approval

Program funds may not be used for:

• Ongoing operating or recurring expenses
• Inventory replacement or merchandise loss
• Lost revenue or business interruption
• Rent, utilities, payroll, wages, or sales costs
• Private security personnel or patrol services
• Routine maintenance unrelated to an eligible incident
• Fines, penalties, or legal fees
• Expenses covered by insurance unless the claim has been denied and closed
• Costs reimbursed by other public funding sources
• Undocumented or cash-only expenses
• Decorative or promotional items unrelated to safety or recovery

Applications are accepted online on a rolling basis and reviewed as received.

1) Preventative Improvements

At application:

• Quote or estimate
• Description of safety benefit
• Photos of existing conditions (if applicable)

After approval:

• Invoices and proof of payment
• Final photos

2) Recovery / Post-Incident

At application:

• Invoices and proof of payment
• Photos of damage and repairs (up to 5)
• Police report when available

Required for All Applications

• City & State business licenses
• Business Watch participation
• Insurance disclosure if applicable

Apply Online

Evaluation & Selection

Applications are reviewed in two steps:

Step 1: Eligibility & Completeness (Pass/Fail) - Applications must meet all program requirements to advance

Step 2: Scored Evaluation (100 Points Total)

• Project clarity & feasibility (20)
• Crime prevention & safety impact (20)
• Return on public investment (20)
• Business context & community benefit (20)
• Project plan & documentation (20)

Bonus considerations (tie-breaking):

• Utilizing local Santa Fe businesses
• Use of sustainable materials
• Leveraging impact (jobs supported, community-serving businesses)

Payment

Reimbursement is issued after:

• Application approval
• Submission of invoices and receipts
• Completed vendor profile via application

Reporting

Awardees submit a brief impact report three (3) months after reimbursement via an online form. Responses are used in aggregate to improve program design and guide future investements.

The SAFE Program is administered jointly by the Office of Economic Development (OED) and Community Services Department (CSD).

• OED and CSD: Outreach, intake, award management, applicant coordination
• SFPD: Public safety guidance and best-practice crime prevention input
• CSD: Project Manager: Day-to-day coordination and applicant technical assistance

Project Manager:
Kristen Woods
krwoods@santafenm.gov

Office of Economic Development:
Casey Dalbor
cjdalbor@santafenm.gov