WASHINGTON, DC
Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund
District funding for physical and cyber security at nonprofit facilities in Washington, DC.
$25K+
Minimum request; no stated maximum
District
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ)
What Is the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund?
The Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund provides District of Columbia funding to enhance security and safety at the physical sites of nonprofit organizations located in DC, with priority for facilities at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. Administered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ).
The fund is separate from the federal NSGP, which HSEMA administers for the District. In FY2026, DMPSJ awarded more than $746,000 to 12 organizations, including synagogues, a church, a Jewish day school, a JCC and a museum.
Key differences from federal NSGP: the fund covers cyber security as well as physical hardening, allows salary and fringe for security personnel, permits up to 10% indirect costs, and runs on the District’s fiscal year.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a physical site located in the District of Columbia
- Houses of worship, religious schools, community centers, museums and other community-based nonprofits at high risk of a terrorist or extremist attack
- Organizations with multiple DC locations may submit up to two applications
- Must hold a DC Business License, Certificate of Good Standing and a current Clean Hands Certificate, and upload the IRS determination letter
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund typically include:
Physical Security Equipment
Facility and target hardening, CCTV cameras, screening equipment and related security equipment
Security Personnel
Salary and fringe for term or contract staff performing protection functions, such as security guards and special police officers
Cybersecurity Improvements
Cyber security measures that protect the organization’s facility and operations
Security Training
Training, training materials and exercises for staff and volunteers
Emergency Preparedness Planning
Security risk assessments, security plans, and evacuation and shelter-in-place plans
Indirect Costs
Up to 10% of grant funds
Application Process for the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund
The fund is competitive. Applications are submitted through ZoomGrants and scored on a 100-point scale: proposal narrative (40), data and evaluation (20), organizational experience and qualifications (20), and budget and financial management (20). Applications scoring 60 or below are not funded. Food, travel, lobbying, pre-award costs and existing debt are not allowable.
The FY2026 round closed August 20, 2025, and the FY2027 round closed August 5, 2026. Awards are typically announced by October 1, with a grant period running through September 30 and quarterly reporting. We track DMPSJ announcements and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund.
Who can apply for the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund?
Community-based and faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a physical site in the District of Columbia. Priority goes to facilities at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. Applicants must hold a DC Business License and Certificate of Good Standing, provide a current Clean Hands Certificate, and upload their IRS determination letter. Organizations with more than one DC location may submit up to two applications.
How much funding can a DC nonprofit receive?
The RFA sets a minimum request of $25,000 and no stated maximum. DMPSJ budgeted up to $1,000,000 for FY2026 and ultimately awarded more than $746,000 across 12 organizations. No match is required, and up to 10% of the award may be used for indirect costs.
What can the funds be used for?
Physical security enhancements and facility hardening such as CCTV and screening equipment; cyber security; salary and fringe for security guards or special police officers; training, training materials and uniforms; and planning activities such as security risk assessments and evacuation or shelter-in-place plans. Food, travel, lobbying, costs incurred before the award and existing debt are not allowable.
How is this different from the federal NSGP?
The federal NSGP in DC is administered by HSEMA and is limited to target hardening and related categories. The Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund is District money run by DMPSJ, covers cyber security and security personnel salaries, and runs on the District fiscal year. DC organizations can pursue both as long as the same costs are not claimed under both programs.
Who administers the fund and where do I apply?
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) administers the fund. Applications are submitted only through ZoomGrants; email and paper submissions are not accepted. The RFA, pre-application conference recording and Q&A are posted at dmpsj.dc.gov, and grant questions go to dmpsjgrants@dc.gov.
When does the DC application window open and close?
DMPSJ has released the RFA in mid-July with an application deadline in August each year: August 20, 2025 for FY2026 and August 5, 2026 for FY2027. Awards are announced by about October 1 and the grant period runs through September 30 of the following year. We notify clients when the next RFA is released.