NEW JERSEY
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP)
New Jersey state funding for security equipment and personnel, with two separate sub-programs.
$100K
Target hardening equipment
$20K
Security personnel (separate program)
What Is NJ NSGP?
The New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) was made permanent in January 2022 after a successful three-year pilot. It provides state funding for security equipment and contract security personnel to nonprofits at greatest risk of attack.
NJ NSGP has two sub-programs: NJ NSGP-THE (Target Hardening Equipment, up to $100K) and NJ NSGP-SP (Security Personnel, up to $20K). You can apply for both, but may only be awarded one per fiscal year. New Jersey organizations can also apply for the federal NSGP separately.
Key differences from federal NSGP: training, exercise, and planning expenses are NOT allowable. Equipment and personnel only. Vulnerability assessments must include photographs. Preference is given to organizations that haven’t received a grant in the last two cycles.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in New Jersey
- 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 New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) application requirements
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ-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 NJ NSGP
The NJ-NSGP is competitive. Applications are submitted to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), which reviews and scores them against state criteria. A strong application requires a documented threat case and a vulnerability assessment that includes photographs of the facility. The period of performance is typically one year per award cycle. We track deadlines for New Jersey and advise on timing
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ-NSGP).
Who can apply for the NJ-NSGP?
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in New Jersey 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 New Jersey nonprofit receive through NJ-NSGP?
Award amounts are set per cycle by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP). Most recent guidance: up to $100,000 for target hardening equipment (NJ NSGP-THE) and up to $20,000 for security personnel (NJ NSGP-SP). You can apply for both sub-programs, but may only be awarded one per fiscal year. The program is reimbursement-based, so plan for a 30–90 day cash-flow gap between vendor payment and NJOHSP reimbursement.
Who administers the NJ-NSGP and where do I find the official source?
The NJ-NSGP is administered by NJOHSP — the official source for solicitations, NOFOs, and current-cycle deadlines is https://www.njohsp.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 New Jersey application window open and close?
The NJ-NSGP cycle is aligned with the federal NSGP. NJOHSP typically opens a 30–60 day state submission window after the federal solicitation is published. Subscribe to the NJOHSP 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 NJ-NSGP funds be used for?
NJ NSGP-THE covers physical security equipment: cameras, locks, barriers, access control systems, ballistic-resistant materials, surveillance and monitoring systems, and related infrastructure. NJ NSGP-SP covers contract security personnel. Training, exercise, and planning costs are not allowable under either sub-program. Always cross-check the current cycle's NOFO for the precise allowable-expense list — categories can shift between cycles.
Does the NJ-NSGP require a match or cost share?
Match requirements can vary between cycles. All NJ-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.