COLORADO
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CO NSGP)
Colorado state funding for nonprofit security enhancements.
$25K
Maximum per organization
State
Funded by CO DHSEM
What Is CO NSGP?
The Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program was established by HB22-1077. It provides state funding for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations at risk of targeted violence or hate crimes.
CO NSGP is separate from the federal NSGP. Colorado organizations can apply for both. One application per organization per year, one site per application.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Colorado
- 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 Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) application requirements
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CO-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 CO-NSGP
The CO-NSGP is competitive. Applications are submitted to Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), 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 Colorado and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CO-NSGP).
Who can apply for the CO-NSGP?
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Colorado 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 Colorado nonprofit receive through CO-NSGP?
Award amounts are set per cycle by Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). Most recent guidance: Federal NSGP pass-through; per-site cap typically $150K.. The program is reimbursement-based, so plan for a 30-90 day cash-flow gap between vendor payment and Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) reimbursement. Multi-site organizations may be eligible for higher totals depending on facility count and risk documentation.
Who administers the CO-NSGP and where do I find the official source?
The CO-NSGP is administered by Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) — the official source for solicitations, NOFOs, and current-cycle deadlines is https://dhsem.colorado.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 Colorado application window open and close?
Aligned with federal NSGP cycle. Application windows historically run 30-60 days from solicitation publication. Subscribe to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) 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 CO-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 CO-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.