Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
The largest federal grant program dedicated to helping nonprofits secure their facilities against targeted violence and terrorism.
What Is The NSGP?
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a federal grant administered by the Department of Homeland Security. It provides funding for physical security enhancements to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist or other extremist attacks based on their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
The program has two components: NSGP-UA for organizations located within designated urban areas, and NSGP-S for organizations outside those areas. Both are nationally competitive.
Who Is Eligible?
- Organizations described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Must occupy the facility at the time of application (owned or leased)
What Can The Funding Be Used For?
Common eligible uses 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
The NSGP is a competitive program. Applications are submitted through your State Administrative Agency, which forwards them for national review and scoring. A strong application requires a well-documented threat case, a clear vulnerability assessment, and a detailed written narrative (called an Investment Justification) that ties everything together.
The period of performance for awarded grants is generally three years. We track deadlines for every state and can advise you on timing.
State Programs We Support
Many states offer their own nonprofit security grant programs in addition to the federal NSGP. You may be able to apply for both.
New York
Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes
California
State Nonprofit Security Grant Program
Illinois
Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP-IL)
New Jersey
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP)
Connecticut
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CT-NSGP)
Pennsylvania
Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program (NSGFP)
Massachusetts
Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CNSGP)
Arizona
State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP)
Colorado
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CO NSGP)
Ohio
State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG)
Maryland
Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program (PAHC)
Tennessee
House of Worship Security Personnel Grant Program (HOW)
Washington
Nonprofit and Religious Organizations Security Grant Program (NROSGP)
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying, scoring, timing, and managing a Nonprofit Security Grant Program award.
How do I know if my organization should apply under NSGP-UA or NSGP-S?
NSGP-UA covers nonprofits located inside a FEMA-designated Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) region, while NSGP-S covers everywhere else. The two tracks have separate funding pools and slightly different scoring weights, so being in the correct track significantly affects your odds. Your State Administrative Agency can confirm your UASI status, or we can verify it during a free eligibility review.
How do I document that my nonprofit is at "high risk" of attack?
This is where most applications win or lose points. You need a specific, evidence-based threat narrative tied to your organization's mission, ideology, or community — not generic crime statistics. Strong applications cite documented incidents (FBI hate-crime data, ADL or similar tracker reports, local police records, prior threats against your facility), explain why your group is targeted, and connect that to a professional vulnerability assessment of the physical site.
Is there a cost-share or matching requirement?
No. The NSGP does not require any cash match or in-kind contribution from your organization. However, the program is reimbursement-based, meaning you must pay vendors upfront and submit documentation to be reimbursed. Planning for that cash-flow gap — typically 30 to 90 days — is essential before you sign contracts.
Can I apply for the federal NSGP and a state nonprofit security grant in the same year?
Yes, in most cases. The federal NSGP and state-level programs (such as those in New York, California, New Jersey, Illinois, and others) are separate funding streams with their own applications. What you cannot do is use both grants to pay for the exact same item — that would be duplication of benefits. Strategic applicants split their project list so each grant funds different equipment or services.
What happens if my application is denied? Can I reapply next year?
Yes, you can reapply every cycle, and many awarded organizations were denied the first time. If denied, you should request your scoring feedback from your State Administrative Agency, identify the lowest-scoring sections (usually the threat narrative or Investment Justification), and rebuild those areas before the next cycle. Reapplications that address specific weaknesses tend to score noticeably higher.
How long after the award can we actually start spending the funds?
Award announcements typically come several months after the federal deadline, followed by an Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review and a formal grant agreement with your State Administrative Agency before any spending is approved. From announcement to first reimbursable purchase is often four to six months. The three-year period of performance starts at the official award date, so early planning of vendor contracts and procurement avoids losing months of usable time.