DHS/FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Information

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is a unique initiative designed to provide support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities, to include planning and training, to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack.

History

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) first proposed Congress support the security needs of the nonprofit sector on December 11, 2001. Beginning in 2003, JFNA – working closely with the Secure Community Network (SCN), as the official safety and security organization of JFNA – launched a major Congressional education campaign. The NSGP was established in 2004. Since then, JFNA has remained the lead advocate and coordinating body in support of the program’s annual appropriations and in providing technical assistance to interested Jewish communal agencies participating in the program. 

Who Is Eligible?

Nonprofit organizations determined to be at high risk of a terrorist attack due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission.

How Much Is Available?

In FY2022, Congress appropriated $250 million for Urban Areas (NSGP-UA) and Non-Urban Areas (NSGP-S) and organizations were able to apply for up to $150,000 per site, for up to three sites, for a maximum of $450,000 per sub-applicant. In FY2023, Congress appropriated $305 million for NSGP-UA ($152.5 MM) and NSGP-S ($152.5 MM) and organizations are able to apply for up to $150,000 per site, for up to three sites per funding stream (NSGP-UA and NSGP-S) and per state.  For example, a nonprofit with locations in multiple states may apply for up to 3 sites within each state and funding stream ( 3 sites for NSGP-S and 3 sites for NSGP-UA per state for a total of 6 sites). 

What Are Awards Based On?

NSGP funds are historically allocated based on criteria that includes: threat and/or hazard assessments; identification and substantiation (e.g., police reports or insurance claims) of prior threats or attacks against the non-profit organization or closely related organizations (within or outside the United States) by a terrorist organization, network, or cell, and; the symbolic value of a site as a highly recognized national or historical institution that renders the location a possible target of terrorism.

What Are Allowable Costs?

Allowable costs are historically focused on target hardening activities, planning, training, and other distinct, identified costs. Funding can be used for the acquisition and installation of security equipment on real property (including buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization, planning and training (e.g., active threat training) to address threats and/or incidents, as well as hiring security personnel. 

When Will Organizations Be Able to Apply?

The federal budget has been signed and the NSGP allocation this year is $274.5 million, a cut of $30.5 million from last year.  The FFY2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released on 16 April 2024.  For information on the FY2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program process, click here. Each State Administrative Agency will be announcing the submission deadlines for the sub-applicant nonprofit organizations very shortly.  Please note that each State might have additional requirements, so it’s recommended to check with your State Administrative Agency for exact requirements.

The following materials, plus any additional required by the SAA, must be submitted as part of a complete application package:

1.      FFY24 NSGP Investment Justification (see link under “FY2024 Resources”)
2.      Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (Current within the last 36 months)
3.      Mission Statement (any format deemed appropriate by applicant)
4.      Any additional state requirements

For more information on the NSGP, sign up here to to be added to an electronic mailing list for NSGP webinars and resource materials.

Please submit any NSGP-related inquiries to Secure Community Network.

Assessment Support

• NSGP Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (TVRA) Tool

• Request Local Law Enforcement Assessment

SAM.gov Resources

• What does the change from DUNS Number to Unique Entity ID (SAM) mean?

• What do I do now that the UEI is in effect?

• How can I view my UEI?

Additional Resources

• 4 Steps to Apply for a Nonprofit Security Grant

• EHP Screening Form

• Quick Start Guide to the Application Process

• Layman's Guide to the NSGP Authorized Equipment List (AEL)

FY 2024

• FY2024 NSGP Investment Justification Form
• FY2024 NSGP Key Changes
• FY2024 NSGP Subapplicant Quick Start Guide
• FY2024 NSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity
• NSGP Estimated Annual Calendar

• 4 Steps to Apply for a Nonprofit Security Grant

• FEMA - Video Tutorial on the NSGP Process

• CISA - Protecting Houses of Worship
   

FY 2023

• FY 2023 Allowable Equipment List Application Guide

• FY 2023 NSGP-UA Eligibte High-Risk Urban Areas

• FY 2023 NSGP Investment Justification Form

• FY 2023 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Subapplicant Quick Start Guide

• FY 2023 Nonprofit Security Grant Program Fact Sheet

• FY 2023 NSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

FAQ

• Threats & Risks Under the NSGP Webinar 2/08/2024 FAQ

• Deep Dive: The NSGP Application Webinar 1/11/2024 FAQ

• 2023 NSGP Key Changes Webinar 12/07/2023 FAQ

• Introduction to the NSGP Process Webinar 11/16/2023 FAQ

• NSGP Implementation Webinar 10/26/2023 FAQ

• NSGP Frequently Asked Questions FY 2022