Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Apply for Security Grant Funding

Nonprofit organizations like churches, synagogues, schools, and community centers are meant to be safe havens. But in today’s world, these institutions are increasingly vulnerable to targeted violence, vandalism, and cyber threats.

• 841 attacks on churches in 2024, with 80% involving property crimes such as vandalism, theft, and arson 
• 83 school shooting incidents were recorded in 2024, with a 60% rise in firearm-related incidents

Despite being pillars of support for local communities, many nonprofits lack the resources to implement necessary security upgrades.

So, when threats are rising and budgets tight, how do you protect your staff, community, and space?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), funded by the Department of Homeland Security and administered by FEMA, is there. Offering up to $200,000 per site, the program helps eligible nonprofits improve their physical security, from surveillance systems and access control to cybersecurity upgrades and training.

If you're responsible for protecting your space and people, this guide will help you understand how the NSGP works, who qualifies, and how to apply effectively.

What is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is a federal initiative created to help at-risk nonprofits strengthen their physical security. It provides funding to organizations that serve the public, such as churches, synagogues, mosques, schools, food banks, and cultural institutions, especially those that face threats based on ideology, religion, or community role.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the program under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The core goal is to support physical target hardening and preparedness efforts that help nonprofit facilities respond to and recover from security incidents. These funds help cover costs for security equipment, barriers, access control systems, surveillance systems, staff training, and emergency response planning.

NSGP encourages nonprofits to work with local law enforcement and emergency services to build a safer, more coordinated community environment.

Each eligible nonprofit can apply for up to $200,000 per location, with a cap of $450,000 total per applicant. Funding levels have steadily increased due to growing demand and rising threats:

• FY 2024: $434.5 million
• FY 2023: $305 million
• FY 2022: $250.15 million
• FY 2021: $180 million

All 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible, but the application process is competitive. In recent years, only about 45% of applicants received funding. To improve chances of success, it’s important to clearly identify threats, document vulnerabilities, and explain how the proposed improvements address those risks.

Who is Eligible for NSGP Funding?

If you're part of a nonprofit that serves your community and faces real safety concerns, you may be eligible for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). But it’s not just about having a mission. It’s also about showing real need.

Here’s what matters:

501(c)(3) Status

You must be a tax-exempt nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes faith-based organizations like churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples—even those without formal IRS recognition—so long as they meet the core tax-exemption criteria.

Demonstrated Security Risk

Applicants must clearly show they are at risk of a terrorist or extremist attack. This could include a history of threats, recent local incidents, or specific facility weaknesses. A well-documented vulnerability assessment is crucial; it should identify your facility’s key security gaps and potential threats. This is not limited to speculation; FEMA expects tangible documentation. Acceptable forms of evidence include:

• Police reports from past incidents.
• Insurance claims related to prior security breaches
• A vulnerability assessment, preferably conducted by law enforcement or qualified third-party professionals

Location Type

If your organization operates in multiple locations, you can apply for each site individually, but each requires its own application and risk assessment.

• NSGP-UA (Urban Area): For nonprofits located in designated high-risk urban areas.
• NSGP-S (State): This is for nonprofits located outside these areas but still facing security threats.

Security-Focused Projects

Grants must be used for physical security upgrades (like access control, cameras, and barriers), cybersecurity protections, or preparedness training. The focus must always be on real, documented needs to protect your organization's people, property, and purpose.

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

Security grants through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provide critical funding to address identified security gaps, as outlined in a required vulnerability assessment.

The 2024 FEMA guidelines clearly state that “Funding can be used for contracted security personnel; security-related planning, exercises, and training; and the acquisition and installation of security equipment (including improvements) and cybersecurity measures on real property (including buildings) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization at the time of application.”

Here’s what the grant typically covers:

• Physical Security Enhancements - Grants may fund upgrades like access control systems (e.g., key cards, electronic locks), perimeter fencing, bollards to block vehicle access, reinforced doors, shatter-resistant windows, and intrusion alarms. These upgrades help restrict access and improve on-site protection against forced entry or attacks.
• Surveillance Systems - Funds can be used to install security cameras (CCTV), alarm systems, live monitoring infrastructure, and streaming equipment. These systems help nonprofits monitor activity in real time, deter threats, and provide visual records in case of an incident.
• Emergency Preparedness and Training - Organizations can use grants for safety training programs, such as active shooter response, evacuation planning, lockdown drills, and emergency communication protocols. The funding also includes full-scale exercises and drills to test plans. Training prepares staff and volunteers to act quickly and confidently in crisis situations.
• Cybersecurity Improvements - While NSGP focuses on physical security, it also supports cybersecurity initiatives, such as network protections, firewalls, endpoint security, and staff awareness training to prevent cyberattacks, especially in organizations managing sensitive data.
• Security Personnel and Planning - This includes contracting licensed security guards and creating tailored security plans. Up to 5% of awarded funds may be used for administrative overhead, including staff time spent managing the grant.

What Is Not Covered By The Nonprofit Security Grant Program?

While the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) offers valuable support for physical security improvements, FEMA enforces clear restrictions on how funds can—and cannot—be used. Understanding these exclusions is crucial when planning your grant application to avoid disqualification or denied expenses.

NSGP funds cannot be used for general operational or administrative costs unrelated to security upgrades. This includes everyday organizational expenses, salaries for public safety personnel, and overtime pay for staff. It also excludes the cost of creating a vulnerability assessment itself—although the assessment is required for the application, you must fund it separately.

The program also does not support investments in:

• License plate reader systems
• Facial recognition software
• Knox boxes
• Weapons, firearms, or weapons training
• Proof-of-concept projects
• Technology R&D or pilot studies

Another key restriction is that NSGP grants are non-supplanting, meaning you cannot use the funds to replace current security systems or services. For instance, you can’t use the grant to swap out old cameras, but you can install additional ones to improve coverage.

Be aware that grant terms may differ slightly at the state level. For example, unlike FEMA's federal version, California’s state NSGP allows limited construction costs.

Reviewing these restrictions carefully will help you shape a focused, fundable application, avoiding common pitfalls while aligning closely with FEMA’s expectations.

How Much Funding Can You Apply For?

Maximum grant limits

For FY 2024, nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $200,000 per physical site. Each location must have its own vulnerability assessment and Investment Justification (IJ) as part of the application. The grant covers physical security enhancements, emergency preparedness training, and cybersecurity measures. This is an increase from previous years, which had a $150,000 cap per site.

These funds can support a range of physical and cybersecurity improvements as long as each request is justified and based on a separate vulnerability assessment.

Multi-Site Considerations

Nonprofits with more than one physical location can submit up to three applications per funding stream, totaling a maximum of $600,000 per state. Each location must be treated as a separate project, with its own vulnerability assessment and investment justification. If your organization operates sites in both urban and non-urban areas, you may apply through both NSGP-S and NSGP-UA, but you still cannot exceed the three-site cap per stream or six applications total in one state.

Consortiums of nonprofit organizations may also apply, with a collective funding cap of $1 million per application. However, each individual nonprofit within the group is still subject to the $200,000 per site limit. Awards above $250,000 must comply with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA). Additionally, consortium funding is limited to 25% of the total NSGP-NSS allocation, which equals $52.5 million split equally between urban and non-urban streams.

Careful planning and clear documentation for each site are essential to maximizing your funding opportunity, especially when applying across multiple locations or within a consortium.

How Funds Are Disbursed And Used?

Funds from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) are disbursed and used through a structured, federally regulated process designed to ensure accountability and targeted security improvements for eligible nonprofit organizations.

• Reimbursement Model: NSGP operates as a reimbursement grant. This means that approved nonprofit organizations must first spend their own funds on eligible security projects and activities and then submit documentation of these expenditures to their State Administrative Agency (SAA) for reimbursement. Only costs included in the original application and approved by FEMA are eligible for reimbursement.
• Pass-Through Process: The SAA acts as the primary applicant and pass-through entity. Nonprofits (subapplicants) apply through their SAA, which sets internal deadlines and reviews applications before submitting them to FEMA. Once FEMA approves the grant, funds are allocated to the SAA, which then reimburses nonprofits for approved expenses.
• Award Caps: FEMA sets funding caps (e.g., $200,000 per location, with some exceptions for multiple locations), but SAAs may set lower caps to distribute funds more broadly within their state.

How Funds Are Used:

NSGP funds must be used strictly for security-related activities, including:

• Physical security enhancements (e.g., cameras, access control, barriers)
• Security-related planning and risk assessments
• Security training for staff and volunteers
• Security exercises and drills
• Contracted security personnel (with restrictions)

The primary focus is on target hardening, making facilities more resistant to terrorist or extremist attacks through physical upgrades and preparedness activities. However, funds cannot be used for general operating expenses, overtime, pre-award costs, or non-security-related projects.

Oversight and Compliance:

• All expenditures must be documented and justified according to the vulnerability assessment and investment justification submitted with the application.
• Only items and activities approved in the grant award can be reimbursed. Any deviation or unapproved spending is not eligible for reimbursement and may trigger audits or financial holds.

Documents Required for Nonprofit Security Grants

NSGP submissions require a well-organized set of materials. FEMA recommends assigning dedicated administrative personnel or board members to handle the paperwork. The following documents are typically needed:

• Unique Entity ID (UEI): Acquired through sam.gov, this is required to apply for any federal award
• Mission statement: Clearly outlining the nonprofit’s goals, community role, and values
• Investment Justification (IJ): A structured explanation of threats, proposed solutions, and how requested items address vulnerabilities
• Law enforcement or insurance reports: To support claims of past threats or incidents
• Environmental & Historic Preservation Review: Needed for older facilities to ensure security upgrades won’t damage historic architecture
• Budget and invoices: A complete, itemized breakdown of costs, with proper quotes and vendor documentation
• Financial and grant reports: Required throughout the grant period to show how funds are used
• Audit-ready documentation: FEMA reserves the right to audit projects for up to three years post-completion

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the NSGP

Step 1 - Locate and Contact Your State Administrative Agency (SAA)

Before you begin any formal application work, you must find and contact your State Administrative Agency (SAA). The SAA is your primary point of contact for the NSGP. FEMA does not accept direct applications from nonprofits — instead, each state’s SAA is responsible for collecting sub-applications from eligible nonprofits and submitting the final, compiled application to FEMA.

To find your SAA, visit FEMA’s official NSGP page and navigate to the list of state contacts. Once you've identified your SAA:

• Initiate contact as early as possible.
• Request their internal NSGP timeline and requirements, as each state sets its own sub-application deadline, typically earlier than FEMA’s official deadline.
• Clarify any state-specific documentation or eligibility criteria they require beyond FEMA’s base requirements.

Building a line of communication with your SAA early on will help avoid unnecessary delays or missing out due to overlooked instructions.

Step 2 - Form an Internal NSGP Application Team

Due to the depth and scope of documentation involved in applying, it’s recommended that your organization forms a team dedicated to the NSGP process. This helps distribute responsibilities, prevents oversight, and improves the quality of your submission. 

Your team might include:

• A Grant Advocate who researches available funding opportunities monitors announcements, and keeps your team updated on requirements.
• A Project Manager coordinates team efforts, ensures all parts of the application are completed on time, and oversees the submission process.
• A Grant Writer who takes all the collected information and organizes it into a professional, persuasive format that meets FEMA’s expectations.
• A Post-Award Manager, who makes sure all terms are met, documentation is maintained, and required reporting is submitted.

Step 3 - Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

To receive federal funding, your organization must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). As of April 4, 2022, the UEI system has replaced the previous DUNS number system. Here's what you need to do:

If your organization previously applied for federal grants:

• You may have already had a DUNS number. This was automatically converted to a UEI.
• Visit sam.gov and log in to retrieve or confirm your UEI.

If your organization is new to federal assistance:

1. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS, if you don’t already have one.
2. Go to sam.gov and register your organization.
3. Once registered, you’ll automatically receive your UEI.

Helpful Tip: There are resources and video tutorials available that explain how to get a UEI without completing the full SAM registration if it’s not necessary for your case.

Make sure to allow time for registration, as receiving a UEI can sometimes take a few days to a few weeks.

Step 4 - Gather and Prepare Required Sub-application Materials

The core of your NSGP subapplication lies in the materials you submit to your SAA. FEMA outlines a set of required documents, and your SAA may ask for more. Work closely with them to make sure you don’t miss anything. Here's what you’ll typically need:

Mission Statement

• Write a brief yet informative statement on official letterhead that explains the purpose of your nonprofit.
• Include who you serve, what you do, and why your work matters.
• This document is not sent to FEMA, but is required by your SAA for internal evaluation.

Vulnerability Assessment

• This is one of the most critical components of your application.
• It should evaluate the threats, vulnerabilities, and potential consequences of a terrorist attack or targeted act of violence at your facility.
• Supporting evidence such as police reports, incident records, or insurance claims will strengthen your case.
• FEMA uses this assessment to determine your level of risk.

Investment Justification (IJ)

• The IJ is FEMA’s core document for evaluating your request.
• You must tie all funding requests (e.g., security cameras, fencing, alarm systems) directly to the vulnerabilities identified in your assessment.
• Each IJ must apply to a single physical location.
• The form must be completed in Adobe Acrobat Reader, and users must select “Enable All Features” to access all parts of the form.

This step often requires the most time, especially if you are applying for funding across multiple locations or facilities.

Step 5 - Submit the Complete Sub-application to Your SAA

Once your application packet is ready — including your UEI, mission statement, vulnerability assessment, and IJ, you’ll need to:

• Review everything for accuracy and formatting compliance.
• Submit the full sub-application package to your State Administrative Agency before their internal deadline.
• If your SAA approves your sub-application, they will bundle it with others in your state and submit the complete application to FEMA.

Important: Submission formats may vary by state. Some accept email attachments, and others require portal uploads. Confirm with your SAA.

Step 6 - Anticipate Timeline, Delays & Required Follow-Ups

NSGP timelines are not uniform across the country. Most states begin their application window between March and April, closing it by May or June. However, delays can occur due to:

• Incomplete UEI or SAM registration
• Missing EHP (Environmental & Historic Preservation) documentation, if required
• Slow internal review at the SAA level

Once submitted to FEMA, the review and award process can take several months. Awards are typically announced toward the end of the calendar year. During this time:

• Stay in touch with your SAA for updates.
• Be prepared to clarify or resubmit any documents if requested.

Step 7 - Post-Award Responsibilities

If your application is approved:

• You’ll be required to purchase the approved equipment or services using your own funds first.
• After providing proof of purchase, you’ll be reimbursed through the grant funds.
• Maintain meticulous records, including receipts, invoices, and reports.
• The post-award manager should ensure timely reporting and compliance with all FEMA and state-specific follow-up procedures.

Missing a reporting deadline or deviating from the approved funding use can affect reimbursement or future eligibility.

And, if you need help or have questions:

• For state-specific questions, always consult your SAA first.
• For federal-level questions, contact FEMA directly at: FEMA-NSGP@fema.dhs.gov 

Tips to Improve Your Chances of NSGP Approval

Clearly Demonstrate Community Impact

Go beyond just stating your mission. Clearly explain how your organization serves the community, especially vulnerable or underserved populations. FEMA prioritizes nonprofits that contribute to their communities' safety, cohesion, and well-being. Include statistics, service impact, or past examples of outreach, especially if your facility is a frequent gathering space or serves high-risk groups.

Back Up Risk Claims with Evidence

Avoid vague language when discussing threats. Instead, use documented incidents such as hate crime reports, security breaches, or threats made against your facility. Including police reports, news clippings, or insurance claims gives credibility to your vulnerability assessment and shows FEMA that your concerns are grounded in real events, not assumptions.

Focus on Alignment with NSGP Goals

NSGP funds are about security, preventing terrorist attacks, and increasing resilience. Make sure your narrative (especially in the Investment Justification) aligns with these core goals. Emphasize how the proposed enhancements will prevent, deter, or mitigate risks related to terrorism or ideologically motivated violence.

Avoid “Wishlist” Budgeting

FEMA reviews whether your requested equipment is essential or optional. Avoid overloading your budget with items that aren’t directly tied to your vulnerabilities. A smaller, focused, and well-justified funding request is often more successful than an overambitious one that lacks strong reasoning.

Keep Language Clear and Professional

Even if your cause is emotional or urgent, your application must be written clearly, precisely, and professionally. Avoid overly dramatic or exaggerated wording. Use simple, direct language to present facts, risks, and needs. FEMA reviewers often go through hundreds of submissions; clarity helps yours stand out.

Include a Maintenance or Sustainability Plan

If applicable, briefly mention how you’ll maintain the requested equipment (e.g., servicing of security cameras, staff training, ongoing updates). This shows FEMA that your organization is committed to long-term security and isn’t just relying on grant money for temporary fixes.

Proofread and Peer Review

Before submission, have your entire application reviewed by someone other than the writer. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors, unclear reasoning, or missing links between threats and proposed actions, all of which can hurt your chances.

Ways To Improve Security With NSGP Funding

Upgrade Video Surveillance Systems

NSGP funding can be used to purchase and install advanced security cameras to improve real-time situational awareness. Choosing the right camera type is essential:

• Dome Cameras: Ideal for wide-angle monitoring of lobbies and large halls.
• Bullet Cameras: These are useful for monitoring outdoor perimeters or parking lots.
• PTZ Cameras: Provide remote-controlled views, perfect for tracking movements across large spaces.

By placing cameras at key entry/exit points, corridors, and gathering areas, nonprofits can deter threats and improve evidence collection after incidents.

Integrate AI-Powered Video Analytics

Beyond basic surveillance, organizations can enhance their camera systems using AI video analytics. This proactive monitoring helps your security team respond quickly to suspicious activities and supports more efficient threat assessment.

These systems can:

• Detect motion in restricted zones
• Identify unusual behavior or loitering
• Send real-time alerts to operators

Strengthen Access Control

Controlling who enters your facility is a core part of any security strategy. NSGP funds can help install or upgrade access control systems that:

• Restrict entry to authorized personnel
• Log access activity for review
• Automatically alert teams during forced entry attempts

From badge scanners at entrances to biometric systems for sensitive areas, access control measures reduce the risk of intrusions and improve overall site safety.

Implement Emergency Lockdown Systems

Rapid communication and response are critical in high-stress situations. These systems can significantly reduce response time and help protect lives in active threat scenarios.

NSGP funds may be used for:

• Panic buttons placed in offices or public areas
• Automated lockdown systems that secure doors and trigger alerts
• Two-way emergency communication with local law enforcement

Train Staff & Conduct Security Drills

Security is not just about technology; it’s also about prepared people. Well-prepared teams act faster and more effectively in emergencies. Grant funding can cover:

• Security assessments by professionals
• Development of emergency response plans
• Staff and volunteer training (e.g., evacuation drills, threat recognition, response protocols)

Invest in Cybersecurity Measures

Protecting your digital infrastructure is just as important as securing your physical facility. As cyberattacks on nonprofits increase, especially those holding personal or financial data, NSGP funding can support:

• Endpoint protection and firewall upgrades
• Email phishing awareness training
• Regular data backups and system audits

Final Thoughts

While the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) requires careful planning and documentation, it remains one of the most impactful ways for high-risk organizations to fund critical security improvements. With up to $200,000 available per site, nonprofits, religious institutions, schools, and community centers can proactively safeguard their people, premises, and missions against evolving threats.

The grant covers - 

• Physical Security Enhancements
• Surveillance Systems
• Emergency Preparedness and Training
• Cybersecurity Improvements
• Security Personnel and Planning

But funding alone isn’t enough; it’s how you apply it that makes the difference.

This is where thoughtful partnerships matter. Organizations like Coram offer security solutions that align with NSGP priorities. From intelligent surveillance systems equipped with AI search, gun detection, facial recognition, license plate recognition, productivity, and safety alerts to night vision cameras and access control systems, Coram’s technology helps translate funding into real-world protection.

In addition to physical infrastructure, Coram also supports emergency management systems and integrated response tools, allowing facilities to monitor, detect, and act swiftly in high-stakes situations.

As you plan your NSGP application, consider how such comprehensive, future-ready systems can strengthen your security framework. Whether you're protecting a place of worship, a school, or a nonprofit hub, combining federal support with trusted expertise ensures your efforts go further and your people stay safer.

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