Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a federally funded initiative administered at the state level in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that are considered to be at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks. It operates as part of a broader national effort through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to enhance the safety and preparedness of nonprofit facilities across the United States. The program emphasizes coordination between nonprofit organizations and state and local emergency preparedness systems to strengthen overall community resilience. The primary purpose of the grant is to support physical and cybersecurity enhancements and related security activities that protect facilities, staff, and the public. Funding is intended to reduce risk by addressing vulnerabilities identified through formal risk or vulnerability assessments. The program supports a range of allowable activities, including planning for facility protection, acquisition of security equipment, training and exercises for staff, and certain construction or renovation projects with prior approval. Equipment and improvements must align with federal authorized equipment lists and focus on target hardening and protective measures. This grant operates as a reimbursement-based funding opportunity with a performance period of 36 months. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, making it fully funded for eligible applicants. Individual nonprofit sites may request up to 200000 dollars per location, and organizations with multiple sites may submit separate applications for each location. However, total funding across sites cannot exceed 600000 dollars per funding stream. Administrative costs are limited and must be directly tied to managing the grant. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that meet federal tax-exempt requirements under section 501(c)(3) or equivalent exemptions. Eligible entities include a wide range of nonprofit types such as houses of worship, educational institutions, medical facilities, community service organizations, shelters, and cultural institutions. Applicants must be physically located in Pennsylvania and must demonstrate a credible risk of terrorist or extremist attack. This risk must be supported through documented threats, symbolic significance, or findings from a vulnerability assessment. Applicants must also possess or obtain a Unique Entity ID and ensure alignment between application documentation and federal registration systems. The application process requires submission through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s online grant portal. Applicants must prepare and upload several required components, including an Investment Justification document, a vulnerability or risk assessment, proof of nonprofit status, a mission statement, and any supporting documentation such as incident reports. Each application must correspond to a single physical site, and all materials must be complete and consistent. The program does not fund pre-award costs, and applicants must already occupy the facility for which funding is requested. Applications are first reviewed and scored at the state level before being submitted to the federal government for final evaluation and award decisions. The Department of Homeland Security retains final authority over funding decisions. While the fiscal year 2025 application cycle has closed, awards are expected to be announced following federal review. The program is recurring and typically follows an annual cycle tied to federal appropriations and notices of funding opportunity. Program evaluation is based on demonstrated risk, alignment of proposed projects with identified vulnerabilities, and the feasibility of implementation. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all proposed activities directly address documented threats and comply with allowable cost guidelines. Contact for assistance is available through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency grants office via email, and additional guidance resources are provided through official program materials and webinars.

Ensure all requested projects directly align with documented vulnerabilities and are included in the authorized equipment list; incomplete or misaligned applications may be denied; verify all application fields are complete and consistent with federal registration records