Nonprofit Security Grants in 2026: A Practical Guide to Federal and State Funding

Security risks facing nonprofits continue to grow, but so do the funding opportunities available to help you respond. Between the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), state-funded security grants, and other public and local initiatives, there are now several ways to pay for cameras, access control, hardening projects, training, and more. 

This guide is meant to help you prepare for the 2026 grant cycle by explaining the main programs, what they fund, who is eligible, and how to navigate the application and compliance process. If you lead a house of worship, school, community center, or other 501(c)(3) organization, think of this as your roadmap for turning the complex world of security grants into a practical plan for funding your next round of improvements.

Key Insights 

• In 2026, your security funding strategy should combine federal NSGP opportunities with state nonprofit security grants and, where possible, other state or local programs (hate crime prevention, community safety, capital improvement, or cybersecurity) that allow security-related costs.

• Most programs prioritize 501(c)(3) organizations that are visibly at risk, such as houses of worship, faith-based schools, cultural institutions, advocacy groups, and human service providers, and that can show documented vulnerabilities, threats, or incidents. Under the NSGP, eligible applicants can receive up to $200,000 per site, with a maximum of three sites totaling $600,000 per organization.

• Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including religious institutions and community centers, can get up to $150,000-$200,000 per location for security equipment and hardening, with a maximum of $600,000 for three sites.
  

• Law enforcement–supported or professionally developed vulnerability assessments are the core of competitive applications. Your proposed projects and budget should clearly flow from that assessment, addressing specific, documented gaps in your facility’s security.
  
• Getting registered in SAM.gov (for federal grants), assembling a reusable narrative and budget template, and tracking state and federal timelines in advance will let you quickly customize and submit high-quality applications as NSGP, state, and local opportunities open throughout the 2026 cycle.
  

The 2026 Security Funding Landscape for Nonprofits

In recent years, FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) has become the anchor federal funding source for nonprofit security, with hundreds of millions of dollars allocated annually for physical and cybersecurity upgrades at high-risk facilities. Funding has grown substantially since FY 2022, reflecting a recognition that nonprofits are increasingly targeted because of their ideology, mission or visibility. 

At the same time, many states have stepped up with their own nonprofit security grant programs, often designed to complement or extend NSGP by reaching organizations that are not funded at the federal level or that need additional assistance.

Each year, hundreds of millions of dollars are available to nonprofits for security upgrades, including roughly $250–450 million in federal NSGP funding plus tens of millions more through state-run nonprofit security grant programs and related safety initiatives

For 2026, nonprofits should plan around a layered funding environment: NSGP at the federal level, state nonprofit security grants where available, and other state or local programs that can support security-related work as part of broader public safety, hate crime prevention, or community development efforts.

As you’re planning which grants to pursue in 2026, it’s also important to match funding with the right technology. For many nonprofits, that includes modern solutions like AI-powered gun detection and automated emergency response platforms. Omnilert’s AI Gun Detection solution, for example, uses a data-centric artificial intelligence approach to identify visible firearms on existing security cameras in seconds and trigger a coordinated response, helping organizations turn grant funding into real-world protection for their people and facilities. 

FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program: The Federal Anchor

The NSGP is still the largest dedicated source of federal security funding for nonprofits in the United States. Administered by FEMA under the Department of Homeland Security, NSGP is designed to support physical security and preparedness activities at facilities that are at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks. Eligible organizations can request funding for a wide range of target-hardening measures, from surveillance systems and access control to perimeter security and physical upgrades like reinforced doors or ballistic film.

The NSGP also supports certain cybersecurity enhancements when they directly support security operations, as well as planning, training and exercises for staff and volunteers. Eligible expenses include other physical security enhancements such as alarm systems and cybersecurity improvements, as well as other security-related activities like planning, training, and exercises.

NSGP is divided into two main components: NSGP-UA, which serves nonprofits in designated urban areas, and NSGP-S, which serves nonprofits in other locations such as suburban and rural communities. Nonprofits do not apply directly to FEMA; instead, they submit their applications through their state’s designated administrative agency, which reviews, scores and forwards recommended projects to FEMA for final selection and award.

State Nonprofit Security Grant Programs

As demand for NSGP has grown and competition has intensified, more states have created their own nonprofit security grant programs. These state-funded initiatives often mirror NSGP in spirit but use state dollars and state-specific rules. In many cases, they focus on nonprofits at risk of hate crimes or ideologically motivated violence and prioritize facilities that serve vulnerable populations, host large gatherings, or hold symbolic significance in the community.

State nonprofit security grants typically fund similar activities to NSGP: security cameras and video systems, access control and visitor management, perimeter and building hardening, emergency communication and notification tools, and security-related training and planning. Because they are state-driven, they may offer different maximum award amounts, timelines, and eligibility criteria than the federal program. Some states position their programs to fill gaps for organizations that were not funded by NSGP, while others run them independently but in parallel.

For 2026 planning, nonprofits should make a habit of checking their state emergency management or homeland security websites and searching specifically for “nonprofit security grants,” “state nonprofit security program,” or “target hardening grants.” Many states also provide email lists or newsletters for grant announcements, and those can be crucial, because application windows are often short and highly competitive.

Other State and Local Funding Opportunities

Beyond dedicated nonprofit security programs, nonprofits may also tap into other grant streams for security-related costs. Some states and localities allow nonprofits to participate in broader homeland security or preparedness grants, often through subawards or partnerships with public agencies. For example, regional initiatives to improve emergency communications, shared camera networks, or training exercises may involve nonprofit partners as key sites or hosts.

In addition, some states and cities offer hate crime prevention, victim services, or community safety grants that can be used to support security planning, training, and certain physical improvements when clearly tied to the grant’s objectives. Capital or community development grants sometimes allow security upgrades as part of a renovation or expansion project. Cybersecurity-focused funding may also be available when nonprofits are considered critical partners in regional resilience.

Because these programs are more varied and less standardized than NSGP, relationship-building becomes critical. Making contact with your state emergency management or homeland security office, local law enforcement, fusion centers, and city or county grant offices can help you hear about new opportunities early and understand how your organization might qualify. The NSGP also promotes collaboration and information-sharing among nonprofits, public safety, local government, and private community representatives to enhance emergency preparedness.

To quickly see which states currently offer their own nonprofit security or homeland security grant programs, you can also reference Secure Community Network’s state-by-state guide to state-funded homeland security grant programs, which includes contacts and basic program details for many states. The resource is current as of August 2024 and is updated periodically, so be sure to confirm specifics with your State Administrative Agency (SAA) before applying.

If you’re not sure which mix of federal, state, and local programs fits your organization, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Omnilert’s Security Grants hub connects organizations with partner-supported grant assistance, helping you identify relevant programs and understand how technologies like AI gun detection and emergency notification systems can fit within those funding streams

Who Is Eligible Across These Programs?

While the specifics vary by grant program, the eligibility patterns are similar. Most security-focused grants require organizations to be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and to operate within the geographic area covered by the program, whether that is a specific state, metropolitan region, or urban area. Eligible nonprofits often include:

• Houses of worship
• Faith-based schools
• Cultural institutions
• Advocacy and civil rights organizations
• Medical and social service providers
• Community-based organizations whose mission or visibility makes them potential targets. 

Other nonprofit organizations, regardless of sector or type, are also eligible to apply for the Nonprofit Security Grants Program as long as they meet the 501(c)(3) requirement.

Risk is the other key dimension. Competitive applications usually demonstrate high risk through a combination of factors: 

• Documented incidents
• Credible threats
• Visible community profile
• Demographic or ideological characteristics that make the organization a likely target
• Physical security conditions that leave the facility vulnerable 

Urban-area organizations may have access to specific urban-area funding streams, while suburban and rural nonprofits may compete in statewide or regional allocations, sometimes with scoring criteria that account for geographic diversity.

Security Needs Assessment: Laying the Groundwork

Before you can request funding for security enhancements, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive security needs assessment. This foundational step helps nonprofit organizations identify their unique vulnerabilities and prioritize the physical security enhancements that will have the greatest impact. A thorough assessment should review your current security measures, such as security cameras, access control systems, and the presence or absence of security personnel, and evaluate how well these systems protect against threats like terrorist attacks, hate crimes, and other violent attacks.

FEMA provides guidelines for conducting these assessments, which are a critical part of the application process for the NSGP and similar state programs. Your assessment should document existing gaps and risks and clearly connect them to the security improvements you plan to request in your grant application. This process not only strengthens your case for funding but also ensures that your organization’s security plan is tailored to real-world needs. By investing time in a detailed security needs assessment, you lay the groundwork for a compelling application and a more secure environment for your community.

What You’ll Need to Apply in 2026

Regardless of whether you are applying for NSGP, a state nonprofit security grant, or a related program, the core requirements are similar. First, you must document your eligibility. That generally means providing your IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter or equivalent proof of nonprofit status, as well as basic organizational information such as your EIN, address, and contact details. 

For federal and some state programs, you will also need an active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), so it is important to start that process well in advance if you are not already registered. It is essential to collect and submit all required documents as specified in the application instructions to ensure your application is complete and eligible for review.

A formal vulnerability assessment is almost always the centerpiece of a strong application. This assessment can come from local law enforcement, a qualified security consultant, or a combination of self-assessment tools and professional review. It should clearly identify the facility’s security weaknesses and explain how recommended improvements would reduce risk. The more directly your proposed project responds to the findings of the assessment, the more persuasive your application will be.

For organizations that don’t have in-house expertise, working with a grant specialist can make this step much easier. Through Omnilert’s partnership with EMD, for example, applicants can get a formal Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment (TVRA) plus a professionally written Investment Justification that clearly shows how grant funds will address specific gaps with solutions like Omnilert’s gun detection and emergency response systems. EMD handles much of the technical grant writing and documentation, freeing your team to focus on day-to-day operations while still submitting a highly competitive application. 

From there, you will translate your assessment into an investment justification or project narrative. This document explains your risk profile, describes the vulnerabilities at your facility, outlines the security measures you propose to implement, and ties them to specific objectives like preventing unauthorized entry, improving situational awareness, or strengthening emergency response. 

A detailed budget accompanies this narrative and breaks down costs for equipment, installation, training, planning, and any other allowable activities. Cost estimates should be realistic and grounded in current market pricing; in some cases, programs encourage or require quotes from multiple vendors.

Finally, you will need to follow the technical instructions of each grant, which may include using specific templates, submitting forms in a particular file format, and meeting strict deadlines. It is wise to create a shared internal checklist so your team can reuse core materials, from mission statements to incident histories, across multiple applications without starting from scratch each time.

Organizations must maintain detailed documentation of all expenditures to be eligible for reimbursement through the NSGP.

Timelines and Process for the 2026 Cycle

Exact dates for the 2026 cycle will depend on congressional appropriations and state-level decisions, but recent trends give a good sense of what to expect. For NSGP, FEMA typically releases the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in late spring or summer. It is crucial to track fiscal year deadlines, such as those for FY 2026, and ensure that all application materials are submitted on time to be considered for funding.

State nonprofit security grants may operate on different schedules. Some open calls for applications early in the calendar year; others align them with state budget cycles and open later. Application windows can be as short as a few weeks, so it is important to prepare your assessment and narrative materials ahead of time and subscribe to any state grant alerts available.

For 2026, a good planning rhythm is to begin or update your vulnerability assessments and security plan in late 2025 or very early 2026, then track federal and state announcements so you can quickly tailor and submit your application when each program opens.

Allowable and Prohibited Uses of Security Grant Funds

Although details differ from program to program, there is a common pattern to what security grants do and do not fund. Allowable costs typically include:

• Security cameras and video management systems
• Access control measures, including electronic locks, card readers and visitor management systems
• Perimeter and building hardening, such as fencing, gates, bollards, reinforced doors and windows, and ballistic film
• Security lighting for interior and exterior areas
• Emergency communication and notification systems
• Security-focused training, planning and exercises related directly to emergency preparedness

Some programs also allow limited funding for contracted security personnel when closely tied to documented threats and integrated into a broader security plan. Cybersecurity improvements are often eligible when they are clearly connected to physical security operations, such as securing networks that support surveillance, access control, or emergency communications.

Many of these eligible uses align directly with Omnilert’s end-to-end platform. NSGP and state security grants can often support the deployment of AI gun detection software that runs on your existing cameras, as well as the mass notification and automated emergency response workflows needed to alert staff, lock doors, and coordinate law enforcement in real time. By mapping your vulnerability assessment to specific capabilities like early gun detection and multi-channel alerting, you can show reviewers exactly how grant dollars will reduce risk at your facility.

On the other hand, most programs prohibit the use of funds for:

• General operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, or regular staff salaries unrelated to security
• Religious instruction or proselytizing activities
• Aesthetic renovations or general capital improvements that do not have a clear, direct security purpose
• Routine maintenance contracts or long-term service agreements for security systems
• Costs incurred before the official award date (“pre-award” expenses)

Reading the allowable and unallowable cost sections of each NOFO or state solicitation is essential before you finalize your project budget.

Insurance Considerations for Grant-Funded Projects

When nonprofit organizations receive funding through the NSGP or other grant programs, it’s important to review and update insurance coverage to match new security-related activities. Adequate insurance is a key part of risk management, especially as you install new security equipment or expand your security personnel. 

Liability insurance can protect your organization from claims related to security incidents, while property insurance covers damage to buildings and security equipment. With the growing importance of cybersecurity enhancements, cyber insurance is also worth considering to safeguard against data breaches and digital threats.

Some grant programs may allow you to include the cost of insurance premiums as part of your funding request, so it’s wise to consult both your insurance provider and your grant administrator to clarify what’s eligible. Make sure your policies align with your security plan and meet any requirements set by the grant program. Taking these steps helps ensure that your organization is fully protected as you implement new security measures and make the most of your grant funds.

Managing the Grant After You Win

Winning a grant is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of the implementation and compliance journey. Most security grants include a performance period, often around three years, during which you must procure equipment, complete installations, and carry out training or planning activities. You will need to follow federal or state procurement rules, which generally require competitive bidding for larger purchases and documentation of all vendor selection decisions.

Throughout the grant period, you will be expected to submit regular progress reports that describe both financial and programmatic status. These reports typically show how much of the award you have spent, what has been purchased or installed, what training has occurred, and whether you are on track with your project schedule. 

At the end of the grant, you will file a final report summarizing outcomes, lessons learned, and how the funded improvements have changed your security posture. You will also need to maintain thorough records of all invoices, contracts, installation documentation, and communications related to the grant in case of an audit, often for several years after the project is closed out.

Potential Downsides and Additional Costs to Consider

While security grants can provide vital funding for nonprofit organizations, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides and additional costs that may arise. Implementing new security equipment, such as security cameras and access control systems, often comes with ongoing maintenance expenses, software updates, and the need for periodic upgrades. Training security personnel and staff to use new systems can also require significant time and resources.

In addition, some grant programs may require organizations to provide matching funds or to follow detailed grant guidelines, which can add administrative complexity. Managing grant funds responsibly means dedicating staff time to compliance, reporting, and documentation, which can stretch limited resources. Before applying, organizations should carefully assess the full scope of costs and operational impacts and consider seeking professional advice to ensure they are prepared to manage both the funding and the new security measures effectively.

Delays with Funding and Reimbursement: What to Expect

Navigating the grant application process for the NSGP and other security grant programs can be time-consuming, and organizations should be prepared for possible delays in both funding approval and reimbursement. The process typically involves submitting a detailed investment justification, undergoing reviews by state and local authorities, and waiting for final approval from FEMA or other agencies. Even after your grant application is approved, it may take several months for funds to be disbursed or for reimbursement of eligible expenses.

To manage these delays, organizations should plan their budgets to cover upfront costs and maintain careful records of all expenditures and required documentation. Understanding the steps involved in the application process and maintaining open communication with grant administrators can help minimize surprises and keep your project on track. By anticipating these timelines, you can ensure your organization is financially prepared to implement security improvements as soon as funding becomes available.

Concerns About Autonomy and Compliance

Accepting funding from the NSGP or other grant programs brings valuable resources, but it also comes with specific requirements that can affect your organization’s autonomy. Nonprofit organizations must use grant funds in accordance with established guidelines, which may include detailed reporting, documentation, and compliance with federal and state regulations. These requirements are designed to ensure that funding is used appropriately for security-related activities and that organizations remain accountable for their spending.

To maintain both compliance and operational independence, it’s important to thoroughly review the terms of your grant agreement and establish clear internal policies for managing grant funds and implementing security measures. Seeking professional advice can help clarify your obligations and prevent unintentional missteps. By proactively addressing compliance requirements, your organization can achieve its security goals while maintaining the flexibility needed to serve your community effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) as You Plan for 2026

Turning 2026 Into a Multi-Grant Strategy

Approaching 2026 with a plan rather than a series of last-minute applications can make a big difference in your success. Start by clarifying your top vulnerabilities through an up-to-date assessment. Then map out all potential funding streams that apply to you: NSGP, state nonprofit security grants, and any local or thematic grants (such as hate crime prevention or community safety) where security is an allowed cost. From there, draft a three-year security roadmap that phases projects across multiple cycles instead of trying to do everything at once.

With the roadmap in place, you can build a core toolkit of application materials that includes mission statements, organizational background, incident history, assessment summaries, and a baseline project narrative that your team can refine and adapt for each opportunity. When you align your planning, funding, and implementation in this way, security grants become less about scrambling for one-off awards and more about steadily building a safer, more resilient environment for the people and communities you serve.

As you build that multi-year roadmap, it helps to align your security strategy with specific technologies and partners. Omnilert not only provides AI-powered gun detection and emergency communication management that can be funded through many of the grants discussed in this guide but also offers a dedicated security grants resource center and partner-led grant assistance to walk you through the process. 

If you’re ready to connect the dots between your risk assessment, your grant strategy, and concrete security upgrades, visiting Omnilert’s Security Grants and Grant Assistance pages is a strong next step.

Additionally Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)