Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a federal funding initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program is designed to support nonprofit organizations that are considered at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks by providing funding for physical security enhancements and preparedness activities. This program reflects the federal government’s broader homeland security mission to strengthen community resilience, improve coordination across sectors, and address evolving threats to public safety. The program is implemented through State Administrative Agencies, meaning nonprofit organizations apply as subrecipients rather than directly to FEMA. The primary purpose of the program is to improve and increase the physical and cybersecurity posture of nonprofit organizations. Funding supports activities that reduce vulnerabilities identified through risk assessments and that align with national preparedness priorities. These priorities include protecting soft targets and crowded places, enhancing cybersecurity, supporting information sharing, and strengthening community resilience. Allowable activities generally fall into categories such as planning, equipment acquisition, training, and exercises. Examples include installation of surveillance systems, access control measures, barriers, lighting, cybersecurity upgrades, and security personnel enhancements. The program operates under two main funding streams: one for organizations located within designated high-risk urban areas and another for those located outside those areas. Nonprofits may apply for funding for up to three sites per funding stream, with a maximum total across both streams. Each application must focus on a single physical location and include a vulnerability assessment specific to that site. Projects must be feasible, effective in mitigating identified risks, and capable of completion within the designated period of performance, which spans approximately three years. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or equivalent entities such as houses of worship that meet the criteria for tax exemption. Applicants must demonstrate that they are at high risk of terrorist or extremist attack and must apply through their state’s designated administrative agency. Additional requirements include maintaining an active registration in federal systems such as SAM.gov and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. Organizations must also comply with federal regulations and maintain active status throughout the grant lifecycle. The application process requires submission of a complete package that includes an Investment Justification, a vulnerability or risk assessment, a mission statement, and supporting documentation such as facility images and proof of nonprofit status. Applications are evaluated through a competitive process that includes both state-level and federal review. Scoring is based on factors such as demonstrated risk, project feasibility, alignment with program priorities, and the organization’s capacity to implement the project. Additional weighting is applied based on organizational type and prior funding history, with preference given to first-time applicants in tie-breaking situations. For the Oklahoma-specific application cycle, the submission window is open from October 1 through October 31, 2025, with a strict deadline of 5:00 p.m. local time. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated state office. Incomplete or noncompliant applications are not returned for correction and may be scored as zero or deemed ineligible. Following submission, all applications are forwarded to FEMA for final review and funding determination. Awards are typically announced by late September at the federal level, with a performance period beginning shortly thereafter and extending for up to three years. Recipients are required to comply with all federal grant conditions, including reporting, financial management, and record retention requirements. Records must be maintained for at least three years following the final financial report. The program emphasizes accountability, coordination with public safety partners, and integration into broader emergency preparedness efforts. By supporting targeted security improvements, the program aims to safeguard vulnerable communities and enhance national resilience against evolving threats.

Ensure Investment Justification directly aligns with identified risks; submit complete and compliant application as incomplete submissions are scored as zero; use correct templates and naming conventions; prioritize feasibility and measurable risk reduction