The Nonprofit Security Grant Program - National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS), managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through FEMA, is aimed at enhancing the physical and cybersecurity infrastructure of nonprofit organizations at risk of terrorist or extremist attacks. The grant, funded under the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024, prioritizes protecting soft targets and crowded places, which are considered vulnerable in today's evolving threat landscape, including cyber threats and domestic violent extremism. The NSGP-NSS provides funding in two categories: NSGP-NSS-Urban Area (UA) for high-risk urban areas designated by the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and NSGP-NSS-State (S) for organizations outside of UASI-designated high-risk areas. Eligible applicants for this program are state-level entities referred to as State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), which then oversee applications submitted by nonprofit organizations and consortia of nonprofits, known as subapplicants.

The program’s primary objective is to improve the security and preparedness of nonprofit organizations by funding investments in physical and cyber defenses, such as security cameras, access control systems, barriers, cybersecurity improvements, and public awareness campaigns. These initiatives must be directly linked to improving the security of nonprofit sites, especially those considered soft targets or located in crowded areas. This program also aims to integrate nonprofits into state and local preparedness initiatives, enhancing overall community security by fostering cooperation between government and nonprofit sectors.

NSGP-NSS has a total funding allocation of $210 million, with $105 million each for the UA and S categories. Each nonprofit organization may apply for up to $200,000 per site, with a limit of three sites per funding category, allowing a maximum of $600,000 per state for any single nonprofit. For consortium applications, the maximum funding is capped at $1 million, provided the consortium includes multiple eligible nonprofits and meets specified criteria. In these applications, each participating nonprofit organization remains subject to the $200,000 per-site limit.

To apply, nonprofits must submit their application to their respective SAA, including a detailed investment justification, a unique vulnerability and risk assessment for each site, and a mission statement outlining factors that may increase their risk profile. Applications from subapplicants located within UASI-designated areas are eligible for NSGP-NSS-UA funds, while those outside these areas may apply for NSGP-NSS-S funds. If an organization operates in both categories, it must submit separate applications for each funding stream. All applications must be reviewed and submitted by the SAA to FEMA by January 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. SAAs may set earlier internal deadlines, so applicants are encouraged to contact their SAA for specific timelines.

Eligible nonprofit subapplicants must be organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including religious institutions and other community-serving nonprofits. The NSGP-NSS also allows for consortium applications, where one nonprofit acts as the lead applicant on behalf of a group of organizations, coordinating project implementation and compliance throughout the grant period. The period of performance for all awards under NSGP-NSS will start on May 1, 2025, and end on April 30, 2028.

For further assistance, SAAs and subapplicants can contact FEMA through the FEMA Grants News hotline or the FEMA GO helpdesk for technical support. Information about this grant and application forms are available on FEMA’s website, including resources for the completion of required registration and eligibility documents, such as the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov.