WASHINGTON
Nonprofit and Religious Organizations Security Grant Program (NROSGP)
Washington state funding for nonprofit and religious organization security.
$50K
Maximum per organization
State
WA Dept of Commerce
What Is NROSGP?
The Washington Nonprofit and Religious Organizations Security Grant Program provides state funding for security enhancements. Administered by the Department of Commerce.
This program is separate from the federal NSGP. Washington organizations can apply for both. One award per organization per cycle. Future funding depends on legislative appropriation.
Key differences from federal NSGP: security guard expenditures are NOT eligible – equipment and infrastructure only. NROSGP is administered by Commerce rather than a homeland security agency.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Washington
- Houses of worship, religious schools, faith-based and cultural nonprofits
- Must occupy the facility (owned or leased) at the time of application
- Documented credible risk of terrorist or bias-motivated attack
- Compliance with Washington State Department of Commerce application requirements
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the Washington Nonprofit and Religious Organizations Security Grant Program (NROSGP) typically include:
Physical Security Equipment
Barriers, fencing, lighting, reinforced doors and windows, bollards
Surveillance and Monitoring
CCTV cameras, intrusion detection systems
Access Control
Card readers, electronic locks, key fob systems
Communication Systems
Emergency communications and mass notification tools
Security Training
Active threat training, emergency preparedness exercises, drills
Contract Security Personnel
Professional security services (with restrictions)
Cybersecurity Improvements
Firewalls, secure networks, data protection, cybersecurity training
Application Process for the NROSGP
The NROSGP is competitive. Applications are submitted to Washington State Department of Commerce, which reviews and scores them against state and federal criteria. A strong application requires a documented threat case, a vulnerability assessment, and a written Investment Justification.
The period of performance for awarded grants typically runs one to three years. We track deadlines for Washington and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the Washington Nonprofit and Religious Organizations Security Grant Program (NROSGP).
Who can apply for the NROSGP?
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Washington that can document a credible risk of terrorist or bias-motivated attack. This typically includes houses of worship, religious schools, faith-based and cultural organizations whose mission, ideology, or community make them targets. The nonprofit must occupy the facility (owned or leased) at the time of application. Washington NROSGP explicitly names religious organizations in its eligibility, alongside secular nonprofits at documented risk.
How much funding can a Washington nonprofit receive through NROSGP?
Award amounts are set per cycle by Washington State Department of Commerce. Most recent guidance: Varies by cycle.. The program is reimbursement-based, so plan for a 30-90 day cash-flow gap between vendor payment and Washington State Department of Commerce reimbursement. Multi-site organizations may be eligible for higher totals depending on facility count and risk documentation.
Who administers the NROSGP and where do I find the official source?
The NROSGP is administered by Washington State Department of Commerce — the official source for solicitations, NOFOs, and current-cycle deadlines is https://www.commerce.wa.gov/. The agency publishes annual scoring rubrics and supplemental guidance there. Working from the official source (rather than third-party summaries) is the best way to avoid disqualification on technicalities.
When does the Washington application window open and close?
Commerce-published cycle. Application windows historically run 30-60 days from solicitation publication. Subscribe to the Washington State Department of Commerce announcement list or set a calendar reminder near the historical cycle dates so you are not caught short on document preparation, which typically takes 4-6 weeks for a competitive submission.
What can NROSGP funds be used for?
Allowable expenses generally include physical security equipment (cameras, locks, barriers, access control, ballistic-resistant materials), surveillance and monitoring systems, security training for staff and volunteers, and planning costs. Always cross-check the current cycle's NOFO for the precise allowable-expense list — categories can shift between cycles.
Does the NROSGP require a match or cost share?
State-funded programs sometimes diverge from the federal NSGP match policy. Confirm the current NROSGP match requirement on the Washington State Department of Commerce solicitation. Carefully review the cost-share rules in the current solicitation: nonprofits that assume the federal rule applies to a state-funded program (or vice versa) sometimes submit budgets that get partially disallowed during review.