CALIFORNIA
State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP)
$500K
Up to $250K per site, max 2 sites
State
Funded by Cal OES
What Is CSNSGP?
The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP) was established in 2019 following the Poway synagogue shooting. It provides state funding for physical security enhancements to religious, political, and mission-based nonprofit institutions at risk of hate crimes or terrorist attacks.
CSNSGP is separate from the federal NSGP. California organizations can apply for both, potentially combining up to $250,000 in federal funding with up to $500,000 in state funding.
Key difference from federal NSGP: maximum of 2 sites per organization.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in California
- 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 California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) application requirements
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP) 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 CSNSGP
The CSNSGP is competitive. Applications are submitted to California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), 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 California and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP).
Who can apply for the CSNSGP?
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in California 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. California 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for BOTH the federal NSGP and California CSNSGP in the same cycle — they are separate funding streams with non-overlapping uses.
How much funding can a California nonprofit receive through CSNSGP?
Award amounts are set per cycle by California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Most recent guidance: Up to $250,000 per site (state-funded, separate from federal NSGP). The program is reimbursement-based, so plan for a 30-90 day cash-flow gap between vendor payment and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) reimbursement. Multi-site organizations may be eligible for higher totals depending on facility count and risk documentation.
Who administers the CSNSGP and where do I find the official source?
The CSNSGP is administered by California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) — the official source for solicitations, NOFOs, and current-cycle deadlines is https://www.caloes.ca.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 California application window open and close?
Cal OES typically opens applications in Q3 of each year. Subscribe to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) 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 CSNSGP 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 CSNSGP require a match or cost share?
No.