Massachusetts nonprofits at risk of hate crimes or terrorist attacks have until Friday, November 20, 2026, to apply for two Massachusetts nonprofit security grant programs: up to $75,000 per location for security equipment, and up to $40,000 toward contracted guards. A single location that applies to both could receive up to $115,000. Roughly half of eligible applicants were funded last round, and never-funded locations go to the front of the line.
That leaves about a month. Here is what you need to know before you start.
The two Massachusetts nonprofit security grant programs
The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CNSGP) pays for physical security upgrades such as cameras, doors and locks, access control, alarms, fencing and lighting. It awards up to $75,000 per application, and each location applies separately. The state sets no limit on how many locations an organization can submit, but partial awards are common and most awards come in well under the cap. Grant-writer fees, salaries and construction are not covered.
The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program (CNSPGP) pays for contracted security guards. It awards up to $40,000 per application, and the organization must match every grant dollar with a dollar of its own cash. Off-duty police details don’t qualify, and the application needs a signed letter of support from your local Police Chief. It fits best for schools, larger congregations and community centers that already pay a guard firm.
Who qualifies
Both programs are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that can show they are at high risk of a terrorist attack or hate crime. That includes houses of worship, schools, health care providers, human service agencies and cultural centers.
Houses of worship do not need an IRS determination letter to apply. Churches, mosques and synagogues are treated as exempt without one.
On the equipment grant, first-time locations go first. A location that has never received state or federal nonprofit security funding is funded ahead of repeat awardees, as long as it scores 80 or higher. A new location of a previously funded organization still counts as first-time.
Key dates
The state’s optional applicant webinars are on October 27, at 11:00 a.m. for the equipment grant and 1:00 p.m. for the personnel grant. Questions are due November 6 at 4:00 p.m., and applications are due Friday, November 20, at 4:00 p.m. through the state’s online form. Emailed applications are not accepted.
Why the timeline is tighter than it looks
Five weeks sounds like enough time, but much of an application depends on other people, including vendors who have to quote the work and your local police. Winning starts a second clock. Everything has to be bought, delivered and installed by August 31, 2027, about eight months after awards are announced, so projects that rely on long-lead equipment or construction won’t fit.
How it differs from the federal NSGP
Massachusetts runs these grants separately from the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), even though the same state office handles both. The state grants use state money, follow their own rules rather than the Department of Homeland Security’s, and use a shorter online form with a much shorter project window. You can apply to both, but one application cannot stand in for the other. An organization planning a federal application can go after the state grants now as well.
Get a free review before November 20
SGA prepares state and federal security grant applications for houses of worship, religious schools and nonprofits in more than 15 states. If your organization is considering either Massachusetts nonprofit security grant program, we’ll look at where you stand and tell you what’s missing, at no cost and with no obligation. Book a free consultation with SGA here.
Sources
- SFY27 Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program Availability of Grant Funds, OGR, October 16, 2026. Funding, award cap, eligibility, first-time priority, allowable and unallowable costs, application sections, scoring, dates, performance period, procurement.
- SFY27 Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program Availability of Grant Funds, OGR, October 16, 2026. Funding, award cap, match, Police Chief letter, allowable costs, rate cap, dates, performance period.
- Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program page, OGR, for eligibility and application materials.
- Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program page, OGR.
- SFY26 CNSGP FAQ, OGR, September 19, 2025, for state (not DHS) rules.
- SFY26 CNSPGP FAQ, OGR, September 19, 2025, for existing guards and off-duty police.
- Massachusetts nonprofits awarded security upgrade funds to protect against hate crimes, WWLP, for last round’s announced awards.
- SGA analysis of the SFY26 awards announced by the Commonwealth, for eligible applications, award counts, funded share and average award by program.
