DHS/FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) offers government funding for physical security to protect at-risk nonprofits. Here’s how to know if you qualify.
If you run a nonprofit, and you’re worried about crime or a terrorist attack affecting your organization, the government can offer you relief with its Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sets millions of dollars aside each year to help nonprofit organizations install security equipment for their physical plant. Organizations can apply for up to $150,000 to install security equipment. Could your organization be eligible?
Who’s Eligible for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program?
The security grants are given to US nonprofits that can demonstrate an elevated risk for attacks to their physical plant from domestic or international terrorism, due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
How does the government make that determination? As part of your application for the grant, organizations have to demonstrate need by providing proof in the following areas:
- threat and/or hazard assessments provided by an expert source, such as a security company
- identification and substantiation, such as police reports or insurance claims from prior attacks
- symbolic value–how attractive your organization would be to terrorist threat.
How Do I Apply for a NSGP Grant?
Eligible nonprofits can apply to FEMA for the grants, using the online portal grants.gov. However, the process for putting together a grant proposal is detailed. FEMA has put together a step-by-step manual to help potential grantees prepare the materials they need to properly apply. Each spring, the government puts out new guidance on how to apply, and an updated manual. To be ready, take a look at the previous years’ manual, and prepare your data, so you’ll be ready when the new applications become available. Generally, the new program for the year is announced in February and the new applications are due in May. But keep a close eye on it, as those dates could always change.
What Does the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Cover?
At present, this grant applies mainly to physical security, not cybersecurity. Yet, this covers a surprising amount of ground. The grants could cover the cost not just the security cameras surrounding your building, but the monitoring station computers, the networking to connect them, and the 24/7 security services. Additionally, any barriers you’d need to install, active threat training for employees and incident prevention would be covered. Can your organization afford not to take advantage of new safety measures?
How Can I Assess my Nonprofit Organization’s Risks?
While quantifying your risks can seem like an overwhelming task, it does help to have the right partner. As an managed service IT provider with a specialization in both nonprofits and physical plant security programs, Integris can help. If you reside in our service areas in Kansas, Colorado, Texas, Florida or New York, our team can consult with you directly, helping you assemble the information you need to assess your security needs and put in an well- documented estimate for your costs on your grant proposal. Take a look at our security equipment and monitoring services.
Integris can offer you some other great food for thought around risk and your nonprofit. Check out the replay of our recent webinar on Risks for Nonprofits in 2021, and How To Mitigate. In it, we’ve assembled a panel of experts from across the spectrum to discuss not just security, but financial, legal and insurance risks, as well—a true comprehensive picture.
And if you’d like to know more about the services we offer non-profits, read on. We’ve got a great deal of information about how our managed services can help your nonprofit in our free Nonprofit Essentials Kit!
