Non-Profit Security Program

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at risk of terrorist or other extremist attack. The program's g

NSGP is a competitive grant program that provides federal financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist or other extremist attack. Funding is available under two related funding streams: • NSGP - Urban Area (NSGPUA): for eligible nonprofits located within FY 2025 designated high risk urban areas. • NSGP - State (NSGPS): for eligible nonprofits located outside FY 2025 designated high risk urban areas. Under NSGP, FEMA awards funds to State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), which in turn make subawards to eligible nonprofit organizations. The program supports physical security enhancements, cybersecurity-related investments tied to security systems, security planning, training, exercises, maintenance and sustainment of security systems, and contracted security personnel as defined in the NOFO and applicable guidance. NSGP is designed to reduce the risk of and damage from terrorist or other extremist attacks against nonprofit facilities, particularly soft targets and crowded places such as houses of worship, educational and community centers, museums, and similar entities. The program is part of FEMA's broader effort to enhance national preparedness, risk-informed investments, and resilience in alignment with annually designated National Priority Areas (NPA).

NSGP is administered as a competitive grant program. FEMA awards funds to state and territorial recipients, which in turn issue subawards to eligible nonprofit organizations. Funds are typically drawn down by recipients and subrecipients on a reimbursement or advance basis, in accordance with grant award terms, the Payment and Reporting Systems used by FEMA, and recipient financial management procedures.

For FY 2025 NSGP, the projected period of performance is 09/01/2025 - 08/31/2028 (36 months). Assistance must be used and all activities completed within the period of performance. Extensions are allowed on a case-by-case basis consistent with FEMA policy and the Preparedness Grants Manual.

Funds must be expended within the approved Period of Performance (POP) unless an extension is granted.

Projected Award Start Date(s): September 1, 2023 Projected Award End Date(s): August 31, 2026 Period of Performance: 36 months The period of performance outlined above supports the effort to expedite the outlay of federal assistance to support the program objectives. SAAs should request waivers sparingly, and they will be granted only due to compelling legal, policy, or operational challenges. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Based on program need. Recipients must accept their grant awards no later than 60 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify the awarding agency of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award or provide a written notice of intent to decline. Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award through official correspondence, e.g., written, electronic signature, signed letter or fax to GPD, and all other conditions of award have been satisfied, or the award is otherwise rescinded.

For NSGP, pre-application coordination may be required between nonprofit organizations and the State Administrative Agency (SAA) to ensure eligibility, completeness of documentation, and alignment with state-level processes and timelines. Applicants should consult their SAA for specific pre-application requirements.

Selection is based on a two-stage review: State Review (SAA): Eligibility, location (NSGPUA vs NSGPS), completeness, and scoring of IJs using FEMA provided criteria. Ranking of applications by need and impact, using a standardized scoring matrix (Appendix D of NOFO). Submission of prioritized IJs totaling at least 150% of state or urban area allocation. Federal Review (FEMA): Eligibility, allowability of proposed projects, and security review. Final scoring uses SAA scores multiplied by organization type factors (3x for ideology based/spiritual/religious; 2x for secular medical/educational; 1x for others), plus bonus points for first-time recipients. Subapplications are funded in descending score order within each state/urban area until allocations are exhausted; ties favor first-time recipients, then SAA rank. Final selections are at the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security.

FEMA: • Publishes the NSGP NOFO. • Receives and reviews SAA sub award IJ applications via FEMA GO. • Conducts federal review, including risk-based scoring and security checks. • Issues notices of award to SAAs, which then make subawards to nonprofit subrecipients. SAAs: • Manage state level IJ application processes and deadlines. • Score and rank nonprofit applications using FEMA criteria. • Submit required documents, including all IJs and SAA Prioritization of IJs, to FEMA. • Administer subawards, monitor subrecipients, and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Refer to Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application procedures for NSGP are detailed annually in the NOFO posted on Grants.gov. Nonprofit organizations submit applications to their State Administrative Agency (SAA) or designated pass-through entity, including all required documentation (such as Investment Justifications and vulnerability assessments). The SAA reviews, prioritizes, and submits the consolidated NSGP application package to FEMA in accordance with the NOFO requirements.​ The time required for FEMA to review, approve, or disapprove NSGP applications and issue awards is generally within 30-60 days after the application deadline, but may vary depending on the volume of applications, risk review processes, and funding availability.

NSGP does not use renewal/continuation awards. Each year's funding is a separate competitive cycle. Extensions to a specific award period of performance may be requested consistent with FEMA policy.

Timeframe and process are set in the NOFO and state procedures. Where applicable, appeals or reconsideration requests must be submitted within the timeframe specified by SAA and/or FEMA, generally within 15-30 days of notification.