TENNESSEE
House of Worship Security Personnel Grant Program (HOW)
Tennessee state funding for security personnel at houses of worship.
$70K
Maximum per organization
State
TN Dept of Safety and Homeland Security
What Is HOW?
The House of Worship (HOW) Security Grant Program provides Tennessee state funding for security personnel. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
TN orgs can apply for both the HOW and NSGP.
HOW is separate from the federal NSGP. The program is limited to expenditures for contract security personnel and has a 1-year period of performance.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Tennessee
- Must demonstrate the threat and vulnerability to the organization and how funding will address gaps in current security capabilities
- Must occupy the facility (owned or leased) at the time of application
- One application per building, facility, physical structure, or address
- Organizations receiving federal NSGP funds for contracted security personnel are not eligible
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the Tennessee House of Worship Security Personnel Grant Program (HOW) typically include:
Contract Security Personnel
Professional security services (with restrictions)
Application Process for the HOW Grant
The HOW grant is competitive and not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Each application is scored based on demonstrated threat, vulnerability, and how funding will address gaps in the organization’s current security program. Applications are submitted online — registration in the portal is required before applying, so allow time for the registration approval step. The period of performance is twelve months, consistent with the Tennessee state fiscal year. Funding is disbursed through a Tennessee cost reimbursement grant contract. We track deadlines for Tennessee and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the Tennessee House of Worship Contracted Security Personnel Grant Program (HOW).
Who can apply for the HOW grant?
Eligible applicants are registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Tennessee that can demonstrate the threat and vulnerability to their organization and how grant funding will address gaps in their current security program. Only one application may be submitted per building, facility, or physical address. Organizations that are already receiving federal NSGP funds for contracted security personnel are not eligible for this grant.
How much funding can a Tennessee organization receive through HOW?
The maximum award is $70,000 per grant contract, with no more than one award per organization per state fiscal year. Organizations with multiple locations may submit separate applications for each address. The program is reimbursement-based — the organization pays the security provider upfront and submits documentation to be reimbursed by the Department.
What can HOW funds be used for?
HOW funds cover actual hours worked by contracted security personnel providing services at the applicant's physical address. Contracted security personnel must be either POST-certified law enforcement officers authorized by their employing agency to provide extra-duty security, or Tennessee-licensed security guards employed by a state-licensed contract security company. Expenses for travel, equipment, uniforms, security planning, training, and all other expense types are not eligible. If your facility needs equipment or target hardening, the federal NSGP covers those categories and Tennessee organizations can apply for both programs.
Who administers the HOW grant and where do I apply?
The HOW grant is administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Office of Homeland Security. Applications are submitted online at https://tn-ohs.fluxx.io. Registration in the portal is required before applying, so allow time for the registration approval step. General questions about the program can be sent to ohs.grants@tn.gov. Additional information is available at https://www.tn.gov/safety under the Grants tab under Homeland Security.
When does the Tennessee HOW application window open and close?
The application window is set each cycle by the Department. The grant is competitive and not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis — each application is scored and awards are made based on scores and funding availability. Allow time for portal registration (a required step before applying) and for document preparation. Due to the anticipated high number of applicants, notification timelines vary.
Does the HOW grant require a match or cost share?
HOW funding is reimbursement-based. The organization pays the contracted security provider and submits documentation to be reimbursed. Expenses must be incurred by the applying entity directly — reimbursement will not be made to a third party. Required documentation must be submitted in the format and timeline prescribed by the Department. Failure to meet established deadlines will result in non-reimbursement.