FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are two federal grant programs that are security-oriented and several that exist at the state level of funding. Before a nonprofit should decide to apply for any of these grants, below are listed many of the common questions that organizations have with respect to these opportunities.
SECTION I: OPPORTUNITIES FOR SECURITY GRANTS
What are the government-based grant opportunities that nonprofit organizations can apply for with respect to funding for security projects?
There are two federal (NSGP and TVTP) security grant opportunities and several states also have security grant programs.
What is NSGP?
NSGP stands for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a program that has been in existence for since XXX years. On an annual basis, FEMA allocates a certain amount of funding for non-profit security grants across the country. In 2023, there was a total of $270M USD available to nonprofits through this one opportunity. In the future (2024), it is expected that the amount will either stay the same or be increased slightly.
How are the funds allocated?
The funds are allocated between areas of high target concern (New York City, for example) and the rest of the country, on a per state basis. The funding criteria is based on FBI crime data statistics and demographics. So, for example, Nashville has a pool of funds that is available to any nonprofit that is in that area and nonprofits outside of that area that are in Tennessee compete for a different set of funds.
SECTION II: APPLYING FOR AN NSGP GRANT
Is my organization eligible to apply for this grant?
All 501(3)(c) organizations are eligible to apply for funding. The nonprofit must own or rent the building for which security funding is being requested. (If an organization rents, then it must have the permission of the owner of the apply to apply for these funds)
HOW much can my organization apply for?
An organization can apply for up to $150,000 per grant per address. If an organization has multiple locations (distinct addresses), then an organization can apply for multiple grants (each one can be for up to $150,000), with a limit of three grants per organization.
WHAT can my nonprofit apply for?
An organization can apply for a range of security items. These include obvious needs such as cameras, gates, alarm systems, bollards, window hardening, door locking mechanism, training of staff and volunteers, business continuity technology, access control technology and fencing. Organizations can also apply for funding for security personnel.
HOW does my organization apply?
An organization applies by completing a national form and any additional forms as required by the state-based administrators. Organizations apply through the relevant state agency, which may have its own regulations in addition to those of FEMA and therefore states may request additional forms to be completed. Every state evaluates all applications received, scores them and then decides which applications should be reviewed for the final process to FEMA.
Should my nonprofit apply for these funds?
Your organization has a better chance of getting this grant if it applies, compared to if it does not apply. This program is designed for nonprofits to be able to fund much needed security projects that otherwise would not be completed, since most nonprofits do not have funds readily available for these expenses. This grant process allows for substantial investment in these security needs at no cost to the organizations. If your nonprofit is new to this process, then it may receive a scoring bonus (additional points) per federal guidelines.
Why do most non-profits NOT apply for these funds?
Most nonprofits do not know that these funds exist. Further, most nonprofits do not have the experience with these grants, or the expertise in completing the relevant forms, or the in-depth understanding of security that is required for a strong grant application. The forms and the processes can be complicated and take time to understand that many nonprofits do not have.
Should my nonprofit apply for these funds if the state where we are in is hostile to the work of my organizations?
YES! This is a federal process, and the political orientation of a given state is not relevant to this program.
If my nonprofit uses your firm, what services are included?
We provide a range of services (see this link for all services provided to clients) that range from assessment assistance, work with relevant law enforcement officials, contracting with vendors and writing of the grant.
If I use your services, is there a guarantee of being awarded funds?
There is NO guarantee that an application will receive funds. However, based on our track record of success your organization has a better chance of success than if it did not apply at all.
If my organization has not been subject to a hate incident will that make it more difficult to be successful?
This is a competitive grant process based on threats and vulnerabilities. If your organization has not been subject to a hate incident over the past three years, then there is the chance that those organizations that have been subject to incidents will be awarded funds as compared to yours. It is not a certainty that your organization will NOT receive funds because of this reason. A strong grant application can often make the case for funding because of the threat environment that your organization exists within because of the state of hate incidents around your organization.
SECTION III: AFTER THE APPLICATION
If my organization applies for funds, what is the timeline for submission of an application?
The deadline for submissions changes from year to year. Often, it is in April. Usually, the organizations that are awarded funds will be notified in the late August/early September period of the same year as the application. Grantees are required to sign a contract with their relevant state agency, and this process may take a month or more. During the time between notification and contract agreement, organizations are encouraged to get all paperwork in order, including, if needed, an environmental assessment and the required number of bids for each item (often three bids are required to satisfy a federal contract). Once the contract is agreed to, an organization can begin to hire vendors and complete all the work.
How does my organization get the funds it is awarded?
The funds are accessible through a monthly reimbursement process. An organization must pay for the project and then submit the required documents and forms (invoices, cancelled checks) to the state for reimbursement. The reimbursement process can take at least a month, but this timeframe differs from state to state.
What is required of my organization after the funds are received and work is done?
After the work is completed, a final close out report will be required by the organization. This report, along with the other management aspects of the grant (filing for reimbursements, for example), is a service that we are able to provide for an organization. This work is separate from the writing of a grant (see the security fees page for more information).
What role does the government (federal or state) have with respect to the security plan and technology of my organization that is funded through the grant?
The application and reporting process will include information about how you are going to spend the money (e.g. an alarm system or employee training). The government will NOT have access to any details that would compromise your security such as alarm system codes, training procedures and manuals or anything else like that.
If my organization’s grant application is not successful, then what?
If the grant application for your organization is not successful, I will promise to work with you to submit a grant for the next cycle at no charge.
OTHER FEDERAL GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Are there any other security-related grants that a nonprofit might be interested in?
Through the Department of Homeland Security, there is the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) grant, which is designed to assist communities in breaking cycles of violence and hatred before those cycles can become normal within a community. This program allocates $20M USD per year for two-year whole-community programs designed to stop the cycle of hatred before it begins in a community. Grants for this program can be as low as $150K for a two-year period to as high as $800,000.
STATE-BASED SECURITY FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Are there other security funding opportunities beyond NSGP?
At least 14 states have their own state-based security funding allocation program. Each state has their own regulations with respect to the process and what can and cannot be applied for. If your organization has security needs and is in a state that has this process, it is always worthwhile to apply for funds.
How can an organization find out which states have extra funding programs?
We maintain a database of every state in the country, contact points and which states have their own security funding programs. If you are working with us, we will be able to help you access this information.