Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is administered in Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. This office serves as the state administering agency for federal funds received from the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program is part of a broader federal effort to enhance national preparedness and protect communities by strengthening the security posture of nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable to terrorist or extremist threats. The administering agency manages substantial funding across multiple sectors and is responsible for reviewing applications and forwarding eligible submissions to the federal level for final award decisions. The primary purpose of the program is to provide funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements, commonly referred to as target hardening, at nonprofit facilities considered at high risk of attack. Funding supports projects that improve the safety and security of nonprofit sites, including equipment purchases, planning activities, training, and other preparedness measures. Eligible uses include installation of surveillance systems, access controls, alarm systems, barriers, emergency communication tools, and other allowable items listed under federal guidance. Funds may also support planning, training, and limited administrative costs, but they cannot be used for general operations, weapons, or unrelated capital expenditures. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and can demonstrate a credible risk of terrorist or extremist attack. This includes a wide range of entities such as houses of worship, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. Applicants must demonstrate risk through evidence such as prior threats, symbolic value, or vulnerability assessments. Organizations must apply on their own behalf and must occupy the facility for which funding is requested at the time of application. The application process requires submission through the state’s designated online portal and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must complete an Investment Justification form detailing risks, vulnerabilities, and proposed mitigation activities. Additional required documents include a budget worksheet, a vulnerability assessment specific to the site, a mission statement, and a risk assessment form. Each application must correspond to a single physical site, and organizations applying for multiple sites must submit separate applications. Applications are first reviewed and scored by the state before being submitted to FEMA for final determination. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including the level of demonstrated threat, the vulnerability of the site, the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed security enhancements, and the organization’s role in broader community preparedness. Additional factors include the alignment of proposed projects with identified risks and the organization’s history with prior grant funding. The evaluation process involves both state-level review and federal validation, ensuring that funding is directed toward the highest-risk and most impactful projects. Key dates for the program include the release of the funding opportunity on June 26, 2026, and an application deadline of July 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Award notifications are expected in October 2026, with the project performance period extending through August 31, 2028. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle aligned with the federal fiscal year. Applicants must adhere to strict submission timelines due to the requirement that the state submit all applications to FEMA shortly after the state deadline. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program coordinator via email. The program emphasizes timely and complete submissions, as late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Organizations are encouraged to carefully review all requirements and ensure that proposed projects directly address identified risks and comply with federal guidelines to maximize their chances of receiving funding.

Ensure strong alignment between identified risks and proposed security enhancements; submit complete application package; demonstrate credible threat evidence; ensure projects are feasible within performance period