How to apply for Arizona grants for nonprofits in 2026

What is the Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program?

The Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) is a state-specific funding opportunity for entities at risk of attack, terrorism or hate crimes due to their mission or ideology. Applicant organizations can use funds to improve security infrastructure and protect their operations amid heightened threats of malicious activity.

While there are many grants available to nonprofits in Arizona, the AZ-NSGP differs as it focuses on target hardening and enhancing physical security measures. It’s a funding opportunity focused on protecting an organization rather than on expanding operational capabilities.

Any nonprofit that experiences a significant increase in violence and disruption due to beliefs and values may apply for the grant. There was a maximum reward of $100,000 available in the 2025/26 fiscal year to each successful applicant, totaling $1,000,000 in funding from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS).

Eligibility for Arizona grants for nonprofits

AZDOHS outlines three main criteria for applying for the AZ-NSGP. To be eligible, a nonprofit organization must demonstrate that it applied for, but was denied, funding from the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in the last three funding cycles, despite meeting all eligibility criteria.

However, these are the three main eligibility requirements for AZ-NSGP applications:

• Applicant entities must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (some houses of worship are exempt from this criterion)
• Have applied for the federal NSGP (in the same year), but have not received funding or could not apply due to insufficient resources
• Can adequately demonstrate your organization is at high risk of attack due to identity, mission or beliefs

Arizona state applications were due for the 2025/26 fiscal year on 15^th October 2025, where dates are likely to be similar for the next cycle. Nonprofits considering applying should ensure they meet these criteria and begin the application process well in advance, allowing time to plan and ensure their funding request remains competitive.

What does the grant cover for nonprofits?

Successful applicants for the AZ-NSGP can benefit from the funds to improve security infrastructure and mitigate safety threats. The nonprofit can invest in more advanced commercial security systems that scale and adapt according to needs.

The grant’s outline of allowed expenses includes, but is not limited to:

• Video security cameras: The funds allow the implementation of IP cameras that can more effectively identify, detect and help deter malicious activity. These include devices with analytics assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) to help meet grant goals of threat mitigation.
• Access control systems: Access control systems can help secure facilities from unwanted intrusions and breaches. Nonprofit administrators can utilize grant funds to invest in advanced systems with remote management and biometric scanning capabilities.
• Perimeter security: Successful applicants may use the funds to bolster physical security measures, including smart detection sensors. Nonprofit facilities can enhance perimeter security by implementing Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as motion, sound and air-quality sensors.
• Planning and awareness: Nonprofits may use the funds to improve emergency planning and enhance situational awareness. Nonprofit or church security plans can include vulnerability reduction and disaster resilience assessments.
• Staff training: Regular staff training on identifying and responding to security risks and threats can be an effective part of a nonprofit’s security strategy. Organizational security personnel can use funds to develop and conduct safety training programs.
• Data analytics: Nonprofits can channel funds toward strengthening intelligence and information sharing to improve security. AI-assisted analytics platforms can process data in real time, providing an organization with deeper, continuous insight into improving facility safety.

AZ-NSGP funding covers a broad range of security tools, devices and training for a nonprofit. However, the organization may not use funds for specific items and activities.

Nonprofits may not use the grants for:

• Costs relating to organizational operations
• Hiring public safety personnel
• Staff funding, such as overtime and backpay
• General business expenditures
• Organizational initiatives that do not relate to the goals of the program

The above list is not exhaustive and subject to change for the 2026 funding cycle. If you have any questions about the planned use of funds, if successful, your local state legal or grant department should have more information.

How to apply for the Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program

If you believe your nonprofit organization is more vulnerable to security breaches because of its beliefs, identity or mission, you may be eligible for the 2026 Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Because of the lengthy application process, the state recommends that you begin applying as soon as possible to increase your chances of success. If you’re considering the grant for your nonprofit, here’s how to apply:

1. Review necessary documentation

The first step to applying for an AZ-NSGP is to ensure you have gathered and completed all the necessary paperwork required for the funding request. When filling in the details, ensure all information is accurate and up to date to remain competitive in your application.

The required documents for the application are:

• AZ-NSGP application form: Download the application form from the AZDOHS grant page and fill in all the requested details about your funding request.
• Unique entity identifier (UEI): The UEI is a number provided by the government as a reference to check your eligibility for federal grants. Only active and verified numbers are eligible to apply for funding; any pending numbers are not valid.
• Vulnerability assessment: All applicants must submit a vulnerability assessment. An external agency analyzes the risks and threats facing your nonprofit and provides a report. If you haven’t completed one already, find more details in step three.

2. Check your nonprofit’s eligibility for the AZ-NSGP

Applicants are strongly encouraged to check their eligibility for the AZ-NSGP to streamline the application process and avoid unnecessary costs if their nonprofit does not meet the criteria.

The grant page provides documents for review that can help you understand whether you’re eligible for the grant, including a timeline, guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

A tool that can help you clarify your eligibility is the AZ-NSGP scoring matrix, available on the same page. The form will score your application against the provided details, informing you how likely it is to be approved.

3. Conduct a vulnerability assessment

The vulnerability assessment determines the level of security risks to your nonprofit based on its values, identity and mission. An approved external agency must conduct the analysis and provide a report outlining its results.

One of the following three agencies must conduct the vulnerability assessment and provide an official report:

• Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC)
• Local law enforcement agencies
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

4. Fill out the AZ-NSGP application form

Download the AZ-NSGP application form from the grant page and complete all questions accurately and thoroughly to remain competitive for the funding request. Beginning the application early can help ensure relevant details are on the form, increasing the chances of success.

Ensure the application is submitted as a Microsoft Excel file, naming it ​“FY2026_AZ_NSGP_[Your Nonprofit Name]”. Using and submitting via Google Sheets or Apple Sheets is not recommended due to compatibility issues.

5. Submit the funding request

Submit your completed application to hs@​azdohs.​gov with your form and any necessary documentation. The deadline date for the 2026 application process is not yet available, so keep checking the grant page for the announcement of the next AZ-NSGP funding cycle.

Other nonprofit grants in Arizona

In addition to the AZ-NSGP, other state and local grants for nonprofits in Arizona are available. There are hundreds of available grants for organizations from both individual, corporate and government sources.

However, these are a few of the most popular sources offering various funding security opportunities for the 2026 cycle:

• CORE Grants for improving a nonprofit’s quality of life in Southern Arizona, including implementing security measures
• Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative for enhancing security for nonprofits based in the city
• Arizona Community Foundation nonprofit grants to help mitigate violence and crime
• Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program offers grants to strengthen safety infrastructure in local Arizona community institutions

Prepare your AZ-NSGP application

The increase of both cyber and physical attacks on mission-based nonprofits has many Arizona organizations concerned. As security risks and threats have increased in number and sophistication, the debate over preparedness has led decision-makers to reevaluate their security strategies.

While many nonprofits often lack the resources to implement more advanced security infrastructure immediately, the AZ-NSGP is an option for state organizations at heightened risk of malicious activity due to their beliefs or identity. 

Nonprofits seeking funding to improve security should consider applying as soon as possible, where better preparedness can increase chances of success. Building a scalable nonprofit or church security system with the awarded funds can help your organization adapt to the evolving threats many nonprofits face, enabling it to better serve its community.