The Nonprofit Security Grant Program

What is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Introduced in 2019 to address the threat of terrorist attacks on nonprofit entities such as churches, FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program has allocated millions of dollars to enhance safety and protect lives. This initiative provides vital funds to nonprofit organizations considered at high risk, enabling them to bolster their physical security measures. It aims to foster a seamless integration of security efforts between nonprofits and their respective state and local governments, promoting a unified approach to safety.

The program underscores the importance of collaboration between the public sector and private community organizations. Similarly, MCA believes in taking a coordinated approach to safety, which is central to our security solution philosophy. We offer comprehensive security solutions tailored for churches, community centers, and other nonprofit groups.

In light of the significant increase in terrorist activities targeting places of worship and other community spaces in recent years, it is crucial to safeguard your congregation and facilities. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides the necessary funding to help you protect your community, reinforcing the sense of security and unity among your members.

Security Grants for Nonprofits Funding

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides crucial security grants for nonprofit organizations. In 2024, the program allocated $274,500,000 to assist nonprofits and churches in enhancing their security measures to safeguard their communities. Additionally, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS) adds $210 million to further support facility hardening and cybersecurity enhancements for nonprofits facing elevated risks.

New for 2024-2025

Eligibility has expanded to include consortia of nonprofits – groups of organizations working collaboratively to improve security measures. This change allows a lead nonprofit to apply for funding on behalf of its members, fostering a broader, community-wide approach to safety.

The NSGP is a key component of FEMA’s strategy to improve the readiness of nonprofits—as well as state, local, tribal, and territorial governments—to anticipate, prevent, and defend against the threats posed by malicious actors intent on causing harm.

A poignant example of such threats occurred in early spring 2019 when an arsonist with terrorist motives destroyed three Baptist churches in Louisiana. Although there were no physical injuries, the impact on the community was profound and long-lasting.

A 57-year-old member of one of the affected congregations, Greater Union Baptist Church, shared a deeply personal loss: the disruption of her parents’ final resting place, and the loss of the church where she was married and baptized, illustrating the enduring emotional and communal toll of such acts.

Attacks on our community enclaves and houses of worship, whether physical or emotional, have a devastating impact on communities nationwide. As local leaders, you have a crucial role in safeguarding your buildings and the people within from such egregious acts.

Security grants for nonprofits, like the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), offer a vital resource to enhance security around essential community facilities. At MCA, we partner with grant recipients nationwide to provide best-in-class security solutions tailored to the needs of your communities.

Our advanced offerings include systems designed to prevent the entry of weapons into churches, sophisticated “smart” video surveillance systems, and much more.

The importance of such security measures was highlighted in Louisiana, where an arsonist targeting churches was ultimately caught thanks to video surveillance footage capturing him fleeing the scene. Without this critical evidence, it’s uncertain when—or if—the perpetrator would have been apprehended.

How to Apply to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The NSGP now offers three funding streams: NSGP-State (NSGP-S), NSGP-Urban Area (NSGP-U), and the newly introduced NSGP-NSS for supplemental funding.

Here is how the funding breaks down:

These grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations to fund activities such as:

Expanded Funding Limits

Nonprofits may now request up to $200,000 per site, for up to three sites, totaling a potential $600,000 in funding per funding stream. Consortia applications are capped at $1 million but must allocate no more than $200,000 per site.

Application Process

The only way to gain funding for physical security to protect your nonprofit is through your State Administrative Agency (SAA). SAAs are the only entities that can apply to help you gain enhanced security measures for your nonprofit from FEMA.

Click here to locate your SAA and contact them to apply for an NSGP Grant.
The application deadline for SAAs is January 24, 2025. Subapplicant deadlines vary by state; contact your SAA for details.

How Do You Secure A Grant To Protect Your Community Building?

The only way to gain funding for physical security to protect your nonprofit is through your State Administrative Agency (SAA). SAAs are the only entities that can apply to help you gain enhanced security measures for your nonprofit from FEMA.

Click here to locate your SAA and contact them to apply for an NSGP Grant.

In 2025, just as in the previous year, State Administrative Agencies (SSAs) can retain up to 5% of the NSGP funding they secure for nonprofits throughout their state for management and administrative purposes. This is a continuation of the policy initiated in 2023, which was the first year states received earmarked funds for these activities.

Additionally, as a nonprofit receiving NSGP funds through your SSA, you have the flexibility to allocate up to 5% of your total grant towards managing and administering the funds. This provision ensures you have the control needed to implement the most suitable security solutions for your organization effectively.

In 2025, FEMA continues to enforce a standardized national cap for NSGP funding, ensuring states cannot impose their own limits that differ from federal guidelines. The maximum allowable funding per site has increased to $200,000, applicable to up to three sites per organization, resulting in a total potential award of $600,000 per nonprofit. This applies across both NSGP-S and NNSGP-U grants.

Additionally, the NSGP-NSS follows similar funding limits, allowing nonprofits to request up to $200,000 per site with a maximum of three sites per organization, while consortium applications may request up to $1 million, provided no individual site exceeds the $200,000 cap. These consistent funding limits aim to ensure equitable access and robust security measures for nonprofit organizations nationwide.

In 2025, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) continues to prioritize support for nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks or hate crimes. While the program focuses on equitably distributing resources to those demonstrating the greatest need, including organizations that have experienced documented threats or incidents, there is no explicit provision granting additional points for underserved communities or first-time applicants. However, nonprofits that have not previously received NSGP funding are strongly encouraged to apply, as the program seeks to expand access and support to a broader range of organizations.

Applicants should work closely with their SAA to ensure their submissions clearly outline the specific security needs and risks faced by their organization. By providing comprehensive information about their vulnerabilities and demonstrating their eligibility, nonprofits can strengthen their applications and increase their likelihood of securing these vital resources to protect their communities.

MCA Security Solutions for Nonprofits

MCA has played an important role in helping religious institutions devise the best communications for their weekly services and install advanced and cost-effective security solutions in churches and houses of worship across the country. We are always on the lookout for opportunities for nonprofits to boost their security because we believe strongly in the purpose these institutions serve in their community. 

About MCA

MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives.

More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace. As your trusted advisor, we reduce the time and effort needed to research, install, and maintain the right solutions to make your workplace better.  

Our team of certified professionals across the United States delivers a full suite of reliable technologies with a service-first approach. The MCA advantage is our extensive service portfolio to support the solution lifecycle from start to finish.