Nonprofit Security Grant Program – National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS)

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is administered at the federal level by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and implemented in Virginia by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The program is part of a broader national effort to strengthen preparedness and resilience against terrorism by supporting nonprofit organizations that may be at heightened risk. Through this initiative, federal funding is distributed to states, which then coordinate application intake, review, and subaward processes for eligible nonprofit entities within their jurisdictions. The purpose of the program is to provide financial support for physical security enhancements and other protective measures that help nonprofit organizations prevent, deter, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism. The program emphasizes improving security at facilities that serve as soft targets or gathering places. Funding may be used for allowable equipment, planning, training, and exercises that align with federal preparedness priorities and guidance outlined in the FEMA Preparedness Grants Manual. All proposed expenditures must directly support risk mitigation tied to identified threats and vulnerabilities. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations that meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are considered at high risk of terrorist attack. This includes a wide range of organization types such as houses of worship, educational institutions, medical facilities, community service providers, museums, and camps. Entities that are for-profit, governmental, or engaged in political or lobbying activities are not eligible. The program strictly prohibits applications that act as pass-throughs for ineligible organizations. The application process is managed through designated State Administrative Agencies depending on the geographic region within Virginia. Applicants must submit materials through the appropriate regional authority or designated portal rather than directly to FEMA. A complete application includes an investment justification document in a specific format, a mission statement that categorizes the organization type, and a vulnerability or risk assessment that supports the funding request. Applications must adhere to strict formatting and submission guidelines, including file naming conventions and required documentation structure. Applications are evaluated based on criteria established in the federal Notice of Funding Opportunity, including alignment with program priorities, clarity of risk assessment, feasibility of proposed projects, and overall effectiveness in reducing vulnerabilities. The review process begins at the state or regional level and culminates in final award decisions made by FEMA. The state aggregates eligible applications into a single submission to FEMA, which determines final funding allocations and issues awards to the state for distribution. For the referenced funding cycle, applications were due in April 2023, with FEMA announcing awards by late summer and issuing funds by the end of September 2023. Subawards to nonprofits were expected within 45 days following the federal award. The period of performance for funded projects spans from October 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. The program is part of an ongoing federal grant cycle that is typically released annually, although each cycle requires new applications and updated risk justifications. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their submissions clearly link proposed activities to identified risks, avoid duplicative content, and comply fully with eligibility and formatting requirements. Additional guidance and support are available through state grant administrators and regional coordinators, and applicants may contact designated program email addresses for assistance during the application process.