OHIO
State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG)
Ohio state funding for nonprofit security enhancements.
$125K
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.
OSG is separate from the federal NSGP. Ohio organizations can apply for both. OSG is limited to one site with a cap of $125,000.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Ohio
- 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 Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio Homeland Security 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
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 OSG
The OSG is competitive. Applications are submitted to Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio Homeland Security, 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 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) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Ohio 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 Ohio nonprofit receive through OSG?
Award amounts are set per cycle by Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio Homeland Security. Most recent guidance: Varies; typically federal NSGP pass-through with smaller state supplement.. The program is reimbursement-based, so plan for a 30-90 day cash-flow gap between vendor payment and Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio Homeland Security reimbursement. Multi-site organizations may be eligible for higher totals depending on facility count and risk documentation.
Who administers the OSG and where do I find the official source?
The OSG is administered by Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio Homeland Security — the official source for solicitations, NOFOs, and current-cycle deadlines is https://ema.ohio.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 Ohio application window open and close?
Aligned with federal NSGP cycle. Application windows historically run 30-60 days from solicitation publication. Subscribe to the Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio Homeland Security 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 OSG 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 OSG 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.