Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is administered in Michigan by the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, acting on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The program is part of a broader national preparedness strategy designed to strengthen the security posture of nonprofit organizations that are considered at high risk of terrorist attacks. Through this initiative, federal funding is distributed at the state level to support organizations in enhancing their physical security infrastructure and preparedness capabilities. The program aligns nonprofit preparedness with state and local emergency management priorities, ensuring coordinated risk mitigation efforts across jurisdictions. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for target hardening and security enhancements. Eligible activities include improvements to physical security systems, such as surveillance equipment, access controls, and protective infrastructure, as well as other allowable preparedness investments identified in federal guidance. The program is structured into two distinct funding streams based on geographic eligibility: the Urban Area program, which serves organizations located within designated Urban Area Security Initiative counties, and the State program, which serves organizations outside those areas. Each funding stream operates under the same federal guidelines but targets different geographic populations to ensure equitable distribution of resources. Funding for the program is highly competitive, with a nationwide allocation of one hundred fifty million dollars available under each of the two funding streams. Individual nonprofit organizations may apply for up to two hundred thousand dollars per site. Applicants must carefully define their proposed projects at the time of submission, as post-award modifications to project scope may be restricted or denied. The program does not explicitly state a matching requirement, indicating that funds are provided without mandatory cost sharing, although applicants must comply with all federal cost allowability standards outlined in the FEMA Preparedness Grants Manual. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate a credible risk of terrorist attack and that operate within the defined geographic boundaries of either the Urban Area or State funding streams. Organizations must apply under the appropriate category based on their location. The application process requires submission of several key documents, including a completed Investment Justification form, a contact information sheet, the organization’s mission statement, a vulnerability or risk assessment, and biographical information for leadership and board members. All materials must be submitted electronically through the designated application portal, and submissions via email are not accepted. Applications are evaluated based on the quality and completeness of the Investment Justification, the demonstrated risk level of the organization, and the alignment of proposed investments with program priorities. The Investment Justification serves as the central narrative component of the application and must be completed using the official template provided. Applicants must follow strict formatting and naming conventions, as deviations may result in disqualification. The program emphasizes thorough preparation and adherence to instructions, given the competitive nature of the funding. For the fiscal year cycle described, all application materials were required to be submitted electronically by July 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Late submissions were not accepted under any circumstances. Applicants received automated confirmation upon submission, and follow-up contact was required if confirmation was not received within two business days. Questions and technical assistance were available through the program’s official email contact. While the program is expected to recur annually, applicants should monitor future announcements for updated timelines and requirements.