Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program

The Non-Profit Security Grant Fund (NSGF) was established under Act 83 of 2019 and is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Its purpose is to provide funding to nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania that primarily serve individuals or groups identified within the FBI’s bias motivation categories for single bias hate crime incidents. The grant program aims to enhance physical security and safety at facilities owned or operated by these nonprofits. Only organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or religious institutions meeting criteria under IRS Publication 1828, are eligible to apply. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect vulnerable populations and promote public safety across the Commonwealth. Applicants can request funding between $5,000 and $150,000, with a matching contribution requirement for grants above $25,000. Specifically, grants between $25,001 and $75,000 require a 33% non-state financial match, while those between $75,001 and $150,000 require a 50% match. This match must come from non-state funds such as donations or federal/local grants, and in-kind contributions are not accepted. These funds can be used for various security-related enhancements including surveillance systems, security equipment, structural upgrades, training, and planning efforts. However, expenditures incurred before the start of the award are not reimbursable. The application process begins with an initial request form, which must be submitted via SurveyMonkey. Once submitted, applicants cannot revise their request, though they may submit a new one during the open period if needed. The form collects organizational information, details on past grant awards, history of physical security assessments, and whether the organization or its members have experienced hate crimes. Applicants must also describe the population served by the organization, align their funding request to identified threats or gaps, and provide estimates for the types of security projects being proposed. Supporting documents like police reports, photos, or media articles may also be submitted. Eligible uses of funding include physical security assessments, planning, training, purchase of equipment like metal detectors or surveillance cameras, emergency communications tools, and structural safety upgrades. Specialty items such as trauma kits, electronic locks, and security-trained canines are also allowable. The program emphasizes flexibility in budgeting across these categories, and while applicants are responsible for categorizing their expenses correctly, misclassification does not disqualify them from funding. For evaluation purposes, the grant does not require prior victimization by hate crimes, although such incidents can strengthen the application. Applications must link requested items to gaps identified in security assessments and describe any credible threats. Applicants are notified by October 1, 2024, if they are selected to submit a full application through PCCD’s EGrants system. The performance period for awarded grants is one year, but extensions can be requested through a formal modification process. Applicants with questions about the form are directed to the program inbox at RA-CD-NPSECGRANT@pa.gov, though staff are not permitted to comment on individual proposals due to the competitive nature of the program. Further information, including FAQs and procurement guidance, can be found on PCCD’s Non-Profit Security Grant Fund webpage. This program represents a proactive investment in community safety and a critical resource for nonprofits facing security threats due to the populations they serve.