New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program is administered by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness within the Department of Law and Public Safety. This state level program is designed to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that face a heightened risk of terrorist attacks. The program operates as a competitive funding opportunity and is aligned with state level security priorities, focusing on strengthening preparedness and protective measures at nonprofit facilities throughout New Jersey. The program is divided into two distinct funding streams: Security Personnel and Target Hardening Equipment. The Security Personnel track supports the hiring of qualified law enforcement or registered security officers to protect nonprofit facilities. These personnel must be federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement officers, special law enforcement officers, or properly registered private security officers. Funding cannot replace existing security staffing costs but can be used to expand security coverage based on identified risks. In certain circumstances, security personnel funded through this program may also be used for off site events within the state, provided the nonprofit maintains responsibility for those activities. The Target Hardening Equipment track supports the purchase and installation of physical security infrastructure. This includes items such as surveillance systems, access control measures, and structural reinforcements that reduce vulnerability to attacks. All equipment must be selected from an approved list maintained by the administering agency. The goal of this funding stream is to improve the physical resilience of nonprofit facilities and mitigate potential threats through strategic investments in security technology and infrastructure. Eligibility for both funding tracks is limited to nonprofit organizations that are registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are located within the State of New Jersey. Applicants must demonstrate that they are at high risk of terrorist attack, as determined by the administering agency. Preference is given to organizations that have not received state or federal security funding in recent grant cycles, particularly for equipment related projects. Applicants may apply to both funding tracks but may only receive one award per fiscal year. Applications are submitted electronically through the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness grants system. A critical component of the application is the Vulnerability Risk Assessment, which must be current and include photographic documentation of the facility and specific areas requiring upgrades. Failure to provide updated assessments and required documentation may result in disqualification. Applications are reviewed and scored by security experts, emphasizing risk, need, and alignment with program objectives. The funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to submit documentation such as invoices and proof of payment before receiving funds. No advance payments are issued. The performance period for awarded grants is twenty four months, allowing recipients sufficient time to implement approved security measures. The program operates on an annual cycle, with applications typically opening in mid July and closing in early September. For the current cycle, applications opened on July 13 and close on September 11, 2026. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness through their designated grant support email. The program represents a critical investment in protecting vulnerable nonprofit institutions and enhancing statewide resilience against security threats through targeted, risk based funding.

Ensure vulnerability assessments are fully updated with required photographs and clearly demonstrate risk and need; incomplete documentation may result in disqualification