ARIZONA
State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP)
Arizona state funding for nonprofits that applied for federal NSGP but didn’t receive an award.
$100K
Total per organization, up to 3 sites
State
Funded by AZDOHS
What Is AZ-NSGP?
The State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) provides state funding for security projects to nonprofit organizations at greatest risk of terrorist attack or hate crimes.
AZ-NSGP is separate from the federal NSGP but has a unique eligibility link: applicants must have either applied for federal NSGP in the last 3 cycles without receiving an award, or demonstrate inability to fund upfront costs.
Key differences from federal NSGP: offers advance payment (not just reimbursement). Very short performance period of approximately 7 months. $100K cap is shared across all sites, not per site.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Arizona
- 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 Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) application requirements
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the Arizona State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) 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 AZ-NSGP
The AZ-NSGP is competitive. Applications are submitted to Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS), 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 Arizona and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the Arizona State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP).
Who can apply for the AZ-NSGP?
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Arizona 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.
How much funding can a Arizona nonprofit receive through AZ-NSGP?
Award amounts are set per cycle by Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS). Most recent guidance: Varies by state allocation; typically $5K-$50K per applicant.. The program is reimbursement-based, so plan for a 30-90 day cash-flow gap between vendor payment and Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) reimbursement. Multi-site organizations may be eligible for higher totals depending on facility count and risk documentation.
Who administers the AZ-NSGP and where do I find the official source?
The AZ-NSGP is administered by Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) — the official source for solicitations, NOFOs, and current-cycle deadlines is https://azdohs.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 Arizona application window open and close?
Application cycle typically follows FEMA federal NSGP timeline (state agency submits state-aggregate application to FEMA). Application windows historically run 30-60 days from solicitation publication. Subscribe to the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) 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 AZ-NSGP 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 AZ-NSGP require a match or cost share?
The federal NSGP does not require a cash or in-kind match in current cycles. However, all NSGP funding is reimbursement-based, meaning the nonprofit pays vendors upfront and submits documentation to be reimbursed. 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.