Complete guide to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

What is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a government-backed initiative that offers funding support to nonprofits such as churches, schools, charities and community centers at risk of attack. If a nonprofit’s application is successful, up to $200,000 per site may be awarded to enhance security measures.

The NSGP aims to prepare places of worship and other nonprofits to both deter and address security threats like terrorist attacks, attacks against property and firearm incidents. The program combines local, state and federal resources to promote collaboration among public, private and governmental community representatives to improve emergency preparedness and crisis management.

As part of its broader aims, the NSGP initiative provides eligible nonprofit organizations with millions of dollars in grants to strengthen security. All 501(c)3 nonprofits and other eligible entities, as defined by FEMA, are equally eligible to apply for up to $200,000 in funding per site, with a maximum total award limit of $600,000 per organization.

The total funding available for the program has grown significantly over the last years:

• Fiscal Year 2026: funding to be determined by Congress, expected in early 2026
• Fiscal Year 2025: $274.5 million
• Fiscal year 2024: $454.5 million
• Fiscal year 2023: $305 million
• Fiscal year 2022: $250.15 million
• Fiscal year 2021: $180 million

NSGP funding provides a good opportunity for all 501(c)3 nonprofits to strengthen their security systems. However, due to the large number of applicants, the success rate in recent years has been approximately 50 – 55%, making the application process highly competitive. So, it’s vital to review eligibility requirements and align your application with the program’s priorities and guidelines.

Requirements for nonprofit security grants

FEMA nonprofit security grants support all 501(c)3 organizations that can demonstrate, via tangible evidence, that they are vulnerable to attacks. Furthermore, they must be able to prove that enhanced safety measures and security technology would help to prevent future attacks. 

Below are some examples of key eligibility requirements nonprofit organizations need to meet for a successful NSGP funding application.

Nonprofit security enhancement grant eligibility

FEMA sets out the following eligibility requirements for places of worship, charities, schools and other nonprofits looking to secure funding for security improvements via the 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program:

• The applicant must be classed as a qualified 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.
• The applicant must own or lease their facilities.
• Sites other than the main place of operation may be part of the same application if they share the same address.
• An organization may apply for funding to cover a maximum of three separate sites.

Evidence of vulnerability 

Grant proposal teams must clearly demonstrate their organization’s vulnerability to security threats and how security improvements will reduce the likelihood of attacks.

Acceptable evidence can include:

• Local police reports detailing previous attacks
• Insurance company reports
• Documented vulnerability assessments 

NSGP government grants for religious organizations, schools, charities and other nonprofits require applicants to perform a thorough vulnerability assessment to show why security measures need to be strengthened. Organizations can ask law enforcement agencies or third-party contractors to assist with the assessments. 

Resources like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool or K‑12 School Security Assessment Tool can guide the more complex vulnerability assessments. Many State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) also provide state-level vulnerability assessment forms that are required for the application.

Documentation requirements 

As with school security grants and any other government funding outlets, NSGP submissions require a large amount of supporting documentation. FEMA advises nonprofits to build dedicated administrative and accounting teams to oversee the collection of documents required to meet NSGP security enhancement grant requirements.

FEMA recommends allocating these roles and responsibilities to trusted board members, full-time workers and administrative staff. 

An NSGP submission requires nonprofits to submit the following documentation:

• Unique Entity ID: UEIs allow entities to register for federal awards and can be applied for through sam​.gov
• Mission statement: a concise statement that lays out the organization’s purpose, including what the organization does, who is involved and why the nonprofit exists.
• Investment justification: a summary of the vulnerabilities, threats and security gaps presented in the official FEMA Investment Justification (IJ) template.
• Police and insurance reports: official documents detailing previous security incidents to support investment justifications.
• Environmental and historic preservation review: required for older buildings like schools and churches to check that proposed improvements will not damage historically relevant structures.
• Funding request: a total summary of the funding required (up to $200,000 per site).
• Invoices: invoices for eligible equipment and services are required to receive an NSGP reimbursement.
• Financial reports: regular financial reports containing an itemized summary of all expenditures associated with the grant.
• Grant program reports: NSGP grants are typically issued over a three-year period, with applicants required to submit regular grant progress reports.
• Audit documentation: FEMA may audit NSGP projects up to three years after completion, so it’s important to retain all documents associated with the grant for at least three years.

What do security grants for nonprofits cover?

Security grants for churches and places of worship, schools, charities and other nonprofits can be used to fund various products and services that measurably improve the organization’s security capabilities. 

The security vulnerability assessment is a major part of this process, helping nonprofits identify security gaps and demonstrate how the proposed security enhancements will address them.

As part of the funding guidelines laid out in the most recent Nonprofit Security Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), FEMA states: ​“allowable costs are focused on security-related activities,” adding:

“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.”

Under this guidance, nonprofit security grants can be used for security measures like:

• Access control systems
• Video security cameras, including video analytics software
• Radios
• Contracting security guards
• Planning
• Training and exercises
• Cybersecurity and technology
• Security streaming equipment
• Fences
• Bollards
• Blast-proof windows and doors
• Warning, notification and alarm sensors and systems
• Modifications to existing structures to enhance security, such as installing security film on windows, new lighting and reinforced doors.

Other considerations include:

• Up to 5% of awarded funds can be used to cover costs associated with Management and Administration (M&A), including reimbursing staff hours spent managing projects.
• Only allowable expenses highlighted in the vulnerability assessment should be listed in your grant application. Any items not covered here will be automatically declined.

What is not covered by the NSGP?

FEMA also sets strict guidelines on what cannot be purchased using nonprofit security grant funds, including:

• Organizational operating costs
• Direct hiring costs of public safety personnel
• General-use expenditures
• Overtime costs
• Development of risk or vulnerability assessments
• License plate reader systems
• Facial recognition software
• Knox boxes
• Guns, weapons or weapons training
• Initiatives that study technology development
• Proof-of-concept initiatives

It’s also important to note that security grants for religious facilities, schools, charities and other types of nonprofits are non-supplanting grant programs. This means awarded funds cannot be used to replace existing nonprofit or church security measures, only to enhance them. For example, you cannot use funds to replace existing cameras, but you can add new ones to your video security system. 

Local and state grants can vary in the specificities of what is covered, such as the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which may allow funding for different types of construction or renovation activities. Always check your specific state’s program, as they can differ from the federal NSGP.

Applying for the NSGP

Applying for government grants for nonprofits can be competitive. To increase the likelihood of your proposal being accepted, your grant application must meet the requirements laid out by FEMA and your local awarding body.

Alongside demonstrating the security threats to your organization and proving that existing security measures are insufficient, grant writers will need to format the application in accordance with the FEMA guidelines.

Appointing an NSGP application team

As a large amount of documentation is required to apply for NSGP funding, nonprofits are advised to appoint internal grant application teams. Responsibilities should be delegated to trusted members of the organization to help ensure applications meet program guidelines.

Roles to fill include:

• Grant advocate: In charge of researching grant opportunities,monitoring SAA and FEMA announcements and communicating application requirements to wider stakeholders.
• Project manager: Tasked with ensuring application requirements are met, delegating fact-finding responsibilities and overseeing the submission of the final proposal.
• Grant writer: To present collected information in an organized narrative that meets formatting requirements laid out by the awarding body.
• Post-award manager: Responsible for ensuring deliverables are met and reported to the awarding body on time through regular grant progress reports.

The submission process for NSGP applications

While FEMA is the ultimate source of NSGP funding for nonprofits, all applications for NSGP funding must be submitted to an organization’s local State Administrative Agency (SAA). Funds for nonprofit security grants are distributed to smaller state government awarding bodies to simplify application, review and awarding processes.

Your local SAA can provide valuable insights into the submission process and offer advice on writing a successful application. 

A typical nonprofit security grant application process will contain these steps:

1. Locate your local SAA:find your local SAA on FEMA’s website. Deadlines and submission requirements can vary by state, so ask your SAA for their guidelines.
2. Secure your UEI number: UEI numbers can be secured via sam​.gov. If you’ve applied for federal funding previously, you may have used a DUNS number. This process was phased out in 2022 and replaced by the new UEI system.
3. Prepare application materials: gather the required materials and include any additional information required by your local SAA.
4. Submit your NSGP sub-application: send your completed application to your local SAA. They will review your application to make sure it meets the state and federal requirements before sending the application to FEMA.

Deadlines for nonprofit and church security grant applications 

Completing assessments, compiling required details and correctly formatting applications for nonprofit and church security grants can be time-consuming, so applicants should begin as early as possible. Applicants preparing for the 2026 cycle should begin preparations in late 2025. Usually, state programs for each fiscal year will open between February and April and close between April and June. These deadlines are extremely strict. Funding for successful applicants is typically awarded towards the end of the year.

Deadlines can vary across states, so check with your SAA for their guidelines. It’s also worth noting that waiting for UEI and EHP details can add a few weeks or months to this process.

It usually takes several months for an application to be accepted or rejected. Once your application is approved, you will need to purchase approved equipment using your own funds before your grant is paid.

Ways to improve security with NSGP funding

NSGP funding provides support for a variety of physical security enhancements. Here are some ways nonprofits can use NSGP funding to strengthen their security posture: 

Video security enhancements

Security grants for churches and nonprofits can be used to reimburse the purchase of additional security cameras for improved situational awareness. Consider what security camera type may be suitable for your needs. For example, dome cameras provide wide-angle coverage of larger areas, bullet cameras can help boost perimeter security with their long-range capabilities and PTZ cameras offer remote-controlled adjustable views ideal for large areas or moving subjects.

Video analytics installations 

Existing and new video security cameras can be further enhanced using AI video analytics software. AI-powered video management systems help detect anomalies in real time and alert your security team about incidents. This helps initiate a rapid response and provides essential information to enhance your facility’s security protocols.

Access control improvements

Access control systems stationed at perimeter, main and internal egresses can help prevent unauthorized access to your facilities. Using NSGP funds to install access control systems can simplify granting access to authorized individuals and help reduce the risk of intrusions, robberies and physical attacks. Any attempt at unauthorized access triggers an immediate alert, notifying the operator of an intrusion and enabling rapid response.

Emergency lockdown systems

NSGP funds can be used to purchase and install panic alerts and emergency lockdown systems. In the event of an active threat, on-site employees can use the panic buttons to initiate emergency communications with first responders and start a lockdown protocol. Once the lockdown is initiated, security operators can trigger alarms to notify people within the building about the threat and coordinate with the first responders to resolve the incident.

Planning and exercise-related activities 

Security grants for nonprofits can be used for organizational security improvements, like training volunteers, employees and attendees on how to safely respond to attacks. This can include hiring security professionals to draft emergency action plans, performing physical security risk assessments and conducting training sessions.

Cybersecurity technologies 

Nonprofits such as schools and places of worship may hold large amounts of sensitive data in legacy computer systems, which can be attractive to cyber threat actors. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, it’s important to prioritize cybersecurity to minimize the risk of service disruption and data breaches. NSGP funding can be used to purchase cybersecurity defenses and support phishing awareness programs.

Conclusion

Although nonprofit security enhancement grant applications can be time-consuming and require meticulous preparation, NSGP funding can be a vital source of finance for the critical actions and purchases needed to strengthen security.

Adding greater physical security will help protect your buildings and people against rising crime levels. With up to $200,000 in funding available per site, you can take all the essential steps to protect your facility and enhance your nonprofit or church security system. 

Further government advice on nonprofit security grants for synagogues, churches, places of worship, schools and charities can be found through the following agencies:

• CISA offers tools and resources to help high-risk organizations deter cyberattacks.
• The Federal Trade Commission hosts several cybersecurity resources for nonprofits.
• CISA resources on physical security best practices for nonprofits can be found here.
• The Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership provides guidance to help places of worship improve hazard, emergency and disaster preparedness.
• Your SAA website: This is the most critical resource for state-specific deadlines and requirements.
• The US Department of Commerce’s Physical Security Program offers insight into government standards for physical security systems.
• City and state police departments can provide tailored security advice to local nonprofits.