Security Grant

Nonprofit organizations, including churches, schools, and community centers, are vital pillars of local communities. Yet, they are increasingly becoming targets for security threats.

According to the Family Research Council’s 2024 report, attacks on churches have surged by 800% in the past six years, with incidents more than doubling in the last year alone. The FBI reports a 60% increase in firearm-related incidents targeting schools since 2019. Additionally, 50% of nonprofit organizations were victims of cyberattacks in 2021. These alarming statistics underscore the critical need for robust security measures within the nonprofit sector. Federal and state grants can provide essential funding for enhancing security and improving emergency preparedness.

A key source of funding for nonprofits, including churches, schools, and community organizations, is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Religious institutions, charities, and educational facilities across the United States are eligible to apply for up to $150,000 per site through this program.

This article explores the significance, scope, and benefits of federal security grants for nonprofits, as well as the steps to submit a successful grant application.

What is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a government initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations, such as churches, schools, charities, and community centers, bolster their security in the face of potential threats. If a nonprofit's application is approved, it may receive up to $150,000 per site to improve security measures.

The program aims to prepare nonprofits to prevent and respond to security risks, such as terrorist attacks, property damage, and firearm-related incidents. By leveraging resources from local, state, and federal levels, the NSGP encourages collaboration between public, private, and government sectors to enhance emergency preparedness.

The NSGP offers millions of dollars in funding to eligible nonprofit organizations, with 501(c)(3) organizations able to apply for up to $150,000 per site, with a maximum of $450,000 in total funding.

The funding for the program has seen significant growth over recent years:

• Fiscal year 2024: $434.5 million

• Fiscal year 2023: $305 million

• Fiscal year 2022: $250.15 million

• Fiscal year 2021: $180 million

This growing funding pool presents a valuable opportunity for all 501(c)(3) nonprofits to strengthen their security measures. However, due to high demand, only about 45% of applicants receive funding. Therefore, it's essential to carefully review eligibility requirements and ensure your application meets the necessary criteria.

Requirements for Nonprofit Security Grants

FEMA’s nonprofit security grants are available to all 501(c)(3) organizations that can provide clear evidence of their vulnerability to security threats. Applicants must demonstrate that implementing enhanced safety measures and security technology would effectively reduce the risk of future attacks.

Below are some key eligibility requirements that nonprofit organizations must meet when applying for NSGP funding.

Eligibility for Nonprofit Security Enhancement Grants

The following criteria must be met by places of worship, schools, charities, and other nonprofits seeking security funding through the 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program:

• The applicant must be a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

• The applicant must either own or lease the facility in question.

• Additional sites (other than the main location) may be included in the same application if they share the same address.

• Organizations may request funding for up to three separate sites.

Evidence of Vulnerability

Grant applicants must clearly demonstrate their organization’s vulnerability to security threats and how proposed security improvements will reduce the likelihood of attacks.

Acceptable forms of evidence include:

• Local police reports documenting previous incidents

• Insurance company reports

• Vulnerability assessments

To meet the NSGP requirements, organizations must conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment to justify the need for increased security measures. These assessments can be performed with the help of law enforcement agencies or third-party contractors.

Tools like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool and the K-12 School Security Assessment Tool can be helpful for more in-depth vulnerability evaluations.

Documentation Requirements

NSGP applications require substantial supporting documentation. FEMA advises nonprofits to designate specific administrative and accounting teams to manage the collection of necessary documents for their grant application.

FEMA suggests assigning these responsibilities to trusted board members, full-time staff, and administrative personnel.

The following documents are required for an NSGP application:

• Unique Entity ID (UEI): Required for registering for federal awards, available through sam.gov

• Mission Statement: A brief summary of the organization’s purpose, outlining its activities, goals, and why it exists.

• Investment Justification: A summary of vulnerabilities, threats, and security gaps, presented using FEMA’s approved template.

• Police and Insurance Reports: Official documents detailing past security incidents, supporting the need for enhanced security.

• Environmental and Historic Preservation Review: Required for older buildings, such as schools and churches, to ensure proposed improvements won’t damage historically significant structures.

• Funding Request: A detailed breakdown of the total funding requested (up to $150,000 per site).

• Invoices: Documentation for eligible equipment and services to receive reimbursement.

• Financial Reports: Regularly updated, itemized financial reports that outline all expenses related to the grant.

• Grant Program Reports: Applicants must submit progress reports at regular intervals throughout the three-year grant period.

• Audit Documentation: FEMA may audit NSGP projects up to three years after completion, so it is crucial to keep all related documents for at least three years.

What do security grants for nonprofits cover?

Security Grants for Churches, Schools, Charities, and Other Nonprofits

Security grants for churches, places of worship, schools, charities, and other nonprofit organizations can fund a variety of products and services aimed at improving security capabilities.

A key component of the grant process is the security vulnerability assessment, which helps nonprofits identify security gaps and demonstrate how the proposed security enhancements will address them.

According to FEMA’s 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) fact sheet, “allowable costs focus on security-related activities,” with additional guidance that:

“Funding can be used for contracted security personnel, security-related planning, exercises, and training, as well as the acquisition and installation of security equipment (including improvements) and cybersecurity measures on real property (including buildings) owned or leased by the nonprofit at the time of application.”

Based on these guidelines, nonprofit security grants can fund security measures such as:

• Access control systems

• Video surveillance cameras

• Contracting security personnel

• Security planning, training, and exercises

• Cybersecurity and technology enhancements

• Security streaming equipment

• Fencing

• Bollards

• Blast-resistant windows and doors

• Warning and notification systems

Additional Considerations:

• Up to 5% of awarded funds can be used for grant management and administrative expenses, including staff time spent overseeing the project.

• Only the security needs identified in the vulnerability assessment should be included in the grant application. Any expenses not listed in the assessment will be automatically declined.

What Is Not Covered by the NSGP?

FEMA has strict guidelines on what is not eligible for funding under the NSGP, including:

• Organizational operating costs

• Direct hiring costs for public safety personnel

• General-use expenses

• Overtime pay

• Development of risk or vulnerability assessments

• License plate reader systems

• Facial recognition software

• Knox boxes

• Firearms, weapons, or weapons training

• Technology development studies

• Proof-of-concept initiatives

It’s also important to remember that NSGP funds are non-supplanting, meaning they cannot replace existing security measures, but rather enhance or expand them. For instance, you cannot use the funds to replace existing security cameras, but you may use them to add more cameras to your system.

Note that local and state grants, such as California's State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, may have different guidelines. For example, California’s program allows funding for construction or renovation activities.

Applying for the NSGP

Applying for Government Grants for Nonprofits

Securing government grants for nonprofits can be competitive, and to increase the chances of your application being approved, it's essential to meet all FEMA and local awarding body requirements.

In addition to demonstrating the security threats faced by your organization and proving that current security measures are inadequate, your application must be formatted according to FEMA’s guidelines.

Building Your NSGP Application Team

Due to the extensive documentation required for the NSGP application process, nonprofits should consider forming an internal team dedicated to grant applications. Assigning specific roles ensures that the application meets all program requirements.

Recommended roles include:

• Grant Advocate: Responsible for researching available grant opportunities and communicating application requirements to relevant stakeholders.

• Project Manager: Ensures all application requirements are met, delegates tasks for data gathering, and oversees the final proposal submission.

• Grant Writer: Organizes collected information into a coherent narrative that aligns with FEMA's formatting guidelines.

• Post-Award Manager: Ensures that deliverables are met and submits regular progress reports to the awarding body.

The NSGP Application Submission Process

While FEMA is the ultimate source of funding, all NSGP applications must be submitted through your local State Administrative Agency (SAA). These state-level bodies facilitate the application, review, and award process.

Your local SAA can provide guidance on how to navigate the application and offer tips for writing a strong submission.

A typical application process includes these steps:

1. Find Your Local SAA: Locate your state’s SAA on FEMA’s website. Be aware that deadlines and submission requirements may vary by state, so be sure to inquire about specific guidelines.

2. Secure Your UEI Number: Obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) through sam.gov. If you’ve applied for federal funding before, you may have used a DUNS number, which was replaced by the UEI system in 2022.

3. Prepare Application Materials: Gather all required documents and ensure you meet any additional requirements specified by your local SAA.

4. Submit Your Application: Once your application is complete, submit it to your local SAA for review. They will verify that it complies with both state and federal requirements before forwarding it to FEMA.

Deadlines for Nonprofit and Church Security Grants

Due to the time-intensive nature of the application process, it’s important to start early. Most state programs open between March and April and close between May and June, with funds typically awarded by the end of the year.

Deadlines may vary by state, so always confirm with your SAA. Additionally, obtaining your UEI and Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) documentation can take extra time, so plan accordingly.

It may take several months to receive approval or rejection. Once approved, you must purchase the approved security measures with your own funds before reimbursement is issued.

Using NSGP Funding to Improve Security

NSGP funding supports a wide range of physical security enhancements. Here are some ways nonprofits can use the funds to boost security:

• Video Surveillance Upgrades: You can use the funding to purchase additional cameras to improve monitoring. For example, dome cameras are great for covering large areas, while bullet cameras offer enhanced perimeter security, and PTZ cameras provide adjustable views for larger spaces or moving targets.

• Video Analytics: Enhance your security cameras with AI-driven video analytics software. These systems can detect real-time anomalies and alert your security team, enabling rapid responses to incidents and strengthening your overall security.

• Access Control Systems: Installing systems at perimeter points, main entrances, and internal exits helps prevent unauthorized access. NSGP funding can support these systems, which can instantly alert operators of breaches, enabling swift action.

• Emergency Lockdown Systems: NSGP funds can be used to install panic buttons and lockdown systems. In case of an active threat, these systems can initiate communications with first responders and trigger alarms, notifying everyone in the building of the danger.

• Planning and Exercises: NSGP grants can also be used for training employees and volunteers on how to respond during an emergency. This can include hiring experts to create emergency action plans, conduct security risk assessments, and organize training drills.

• Cybersecurity Measures: As nonprofits, especially schools and places of worship, often store sensitive data, cybersecurity is increasingly important. NSGP funding can be used to strengthen defenses against cyber threats and support awareness programs, helping prevent data breaches and service disruptions.

Conclusion

While applying for nonprofit security grants can be time-consuming, NSGP funding offers crucial support for organizations seeking to enhance their security measures. With grants of up to $150,000 per site, nonprofits can take significant steps to safeguard their facilities, staff, and visitors.

For additional resources, the following agencies provide guidance on nonprofit security:

• CISA: Offers tools and resources for protecting high-risk organizations from cyber-attacks.

• Federal Trade Commission: Hosts several cybersecurity resources specifically for nonprofits.

• CISA Physical Security Resources: Provides best practices for nonprofit physical security.

• Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships: Helps places of worship improve disaster preparedness.

• US Department of Commerce: Offers insights into physical security standards.

• Local Police Departments: Can provide tailored security advice to nonprofits in your area.