The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for physical security enhancements and other security measures to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attacks due to their ideology, beliefs or mission. The NSGP continues to be a nationally competitive grant program and promotes emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration activities between public and private community representatives, as well as state, local, and tribal government agencies. Multiple funding allocations have been appropriated for nonprofit organizations located inside or outside of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) designated urban areas. Counties within the Denver UASI area are Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin and Jefferson. All other counties are considered part of the state initiative.
Under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program-State (NSGP-S), eligible states will receive a target allocation for nonprofit organizations located outside of UASI designated urban areas.
Eligibility
Eligible nonprofit organizations are those organizations described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Title 26 of the U.S.C., and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such code.
Allowable Use
NSGP allowable costs are focused on security-related activities. Funding can be used for
- security-related planning
- exercises
- training
- contracted security personnel
- and the acquisition and installation of security equipment on real property owned or leased by the nonprofit organization at the time of application.
Equipment is limited to a subset of items on the Authorized Equipment List (AEL). To review these items, please visit the FEMA website and enter NSGP as your search term.
Getting Started
FEMA requires organizations to base applications on a vulnerability assessment conducted within three years of the application submission date. Conducting a vulnerability assessment is the first step in applying for NSGP and a useful tool in increasing the security of your organization. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides a free vulnerability assessment that every organization can conduct easily. Visit the CISA website to view the Paper-Based Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment and user Guide. You can also work with local law enforcement or other contractors to conduct a vulnerability assessment.
Colorado NSGP
The Colorado State Legislature passed House Bill 1077 in 2022, funding a state run NSGP for nonprofits who applied to FEMA’s NSGP and were not funded. Nonprofits must apply to the FEMA program first and if the application is not funded, the state will invite the nonprofit to apply for the state program.
Grant Announcement
The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) provides announcements and related information through email newsletters and various websites. Typically, announcements for FEMA’s NSGP application opportunities are issued in the spring and FEMA announces awards in the Fall. The Colorado NSGP invitations to apply for the state NSGP will be issued in the fall, after FEMA’s funding decisions are announced. Steps to receive current information:
- 2023 Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awardees
- Visit the CO.EMgrants website for additional information on deadlines and documents for this grant.
- Send questions to our NSGP email account. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are interested in the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and would like help navigating the process.
- Subscribe to our email newsletter for announcements about funding opportunities and other helpful resources.