OHIO
State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG)
Ohio state funding for nonprofit security enhancements.
$250K
Maximum per organization
State
Funded by Ohio EMA
What Is OSG?
The State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG) was authorized by House Bill 96 of the 136th Ohio General Assembly. It provides state funding for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, chartered nonpublic schools, and licensed preschools.
OSG is separate from the federal NSGP. OSG allows eligible organizations to apply for up to two sites, with a maximum request of $125,000 per site and a maximum of $250,000 per organization.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Ohio
- Houses of worship, religious schools, faith-based and cultural nonprofits
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- Must occupy the facility at the time of application
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- Must complete a vulnerability assessment as part of the application
- Compliance with Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio EMA application requirements
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the Ohio State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG) 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
Terrorism awareness and preparedness training, vendor training on installed equipment
Contract Security Personnel
School Resource Officers, special duty police officers, licensed private security guards
Application Process for the OSG
OSG is competitive. Applications are submitted through Ohio EMA, which reviews and scores them using a committee of selected reviewers. Funding is awarded in score order until available funds are exhausted. A complete application requires the online application and a vulnerability assessment worksheet.
The period of performance for SFY26 awards runs from February 1, 2026 to January 31, 2028, an 18-month window, followed by a 3-month closeout period. We track deadlines for Ohio and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the Ohio State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG).
Who can apply for the OSG?
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with active filing status with the Ohio Secretary of State, houses of worship, chartered nonpublic schools, and ODE-licensed preschools. The organization must occupy the facility at the time of application and complete a vulnerability assessment as part of the application.
How much funding can an Ohio nonprofit receive through OSG?
Eligible organizations may request up to $125,000 per site, with a maximum of $250,000 per organization across up to two sites. OSG is a reimbursement grant, but grantees receive a 10% advance disbursement at the start of the performance period. There is no cost share requirement.
Who administers the OSG and where do I find the official source?
OSG is administered by Ohio EMA, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The official source for solicitations, NOFOs, and current-cycle deadlines is ema.ohio.gov.
When does the Ohio application window open and close?
For the SFY26 cycle, the application became available September 5, 2025, with informational webinars held September 17 and September 30, 2025. The submission deadline was October 24, 2025, at 12:00 pm.
What can OSG funds be used for?
Allowable expenses generally include camera and alarm systems, access control and locking systems, fencing and bollards, high-intensity lighting, blast protection and reinforcement systems, screening equipment, emergency communication systems, and contracted security personnel.
Does the OSG require a match or cost share?
No.