Georgia Funds for Protection of Communities (FPC) Program

The Georgia Funds for Protection of Communities (FPC) Program is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS). The State of Georgia set aside $3,000,000 from the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 state budget for the program. The purpose of the FPC program is to strengthen the ability of nonprofit organizations in Georgia to secure their facilities and reduce risks associated with terrorism and other violent extremist threats. The funding opportunity provides awards ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000. The program is specifically focused on nonprofit organizations that face terrorist or extremist risks or have identified security concerns affecting their organizations, facilities, or communities. Funding may support contract security guards or contract security officer services, as well as contract law enforcement officer details, including overtime or contracted services. The program also permits eligible target-hardening security equipment, with the NOFA directing applicants to Categories 14 and 15 of the DHS/FEMA Authorized Equipment List for approved equipment. Funding may not be used for routine operational expenses unrelated to security upgrades, construction beyond minor non-structural physical security improvements unless specifically eligible under program guidance, lobbying, fundraising, or political activity. Costs incurred before the award date may not be reimbursed unless explicitly authorized. Project management and grant administration costs, commonly referred to as M&A, are also unallowable. There is no cost-share or matching requirement for this funding opportunity. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, provide services in Georgia, and are located in and serve communities within the State of Georgia. Organizations must also be at risk of a terrorist attack or have identified security concerns. Individuals, for-profit entities, public entities, and organizations that do not meet the state FPC eligibility criteria are ineligible. Applicants must provide documentation supporting nonprofit status and their security need. Recipients must also comply with applicable State procurement and property management standards and the GEMA/HS terms and conditions governing awards. A complete application package must include the standard Investment Justification application form specified by GEMA/HS and a project narrative describing threats, risk assessments, proposed activities, expected outcomes, the project timeline, and justification for the requested funds. Applicants must also submit a detailed budget and budget narrative showing allowable costs and cost-share information, documentation of nonprofit status such as a Section 501(c) determination letter, and threat or risk documentation. Examples of risk documentation identified in the NOFA include a recent threat assessment, law enforcement letters of support, or incident history. Memoranda of understanding are required when contracting law enforcement or coordinating with public safety partners, and required assurance and certification forms must also be submitted. Incomplete applications or applications lacking required documentation may be deemed ineligible. Applications must be submitted online through the Georgia EM Grants Manager System at ga.emgrants.com. The application period opened on May 8, 2026, and applications were due May 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Late submissions are not accepted except as allowed by program guidance. Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated risk, threat, and need; the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of proposed activities; the applicant's capability to implement and sustain the project; and the completeness of the application and readiness to obligate funds. These criteria make documentation of security risks, a clearly justified project, reasonable costs, and a complete application package central to the competitive review process. The NOFA identified May 8, 2026, as the release date and scheduled an application workshop or webinar for May 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM EDT. Award announcements were scheduled for June 1, 2026, and the period of performance begins June 15, 2026. The user-provided program information states that the period of performance runs through May 15, 2027. Projects must be completed within the approved period of performance, and extensions require approval. Recipients are subject to financial reporting, progress reporting, closeout documentation, record retention, procurement, audit, and monitoring requirements. Contract law enforcement arrangements must comply with applicable state rules concerning agreements, legal review, liability coverage, civil rights, and policing policies, while contract security vendor selection must follow competitive procurement procedures and document cost reasonableness. Questions about the FPC program may be directed to hsgrants@gema.ga.gov, and additional program information, forms, and guidance are identified as available through gema.ga.gov.

Clearly demonstrate the organization's documented threat, risk, and security need; propose appropriate and cost-effective activities; demonstrate capability to implement and sustain the project; provide complete required documentation; ensure readiness to obligate funds; follow competitive procurement and document cost reasonableness for contract security vendors.