The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is a unique initiative designed to provide support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities, to include planning and training, to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack.
History
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) first proposed Congress support the security needs of the nonprofit sector on December 11, 2001. Beginning in 2003, JFNA – working closely with the Secure Community Network (SCN), as the official safety and security organization of JFNA – launched a major Congressional education campaign. The NSGP was established in 2004. Since then, JFNA has remained the lead advocate and coordinating body in support of the program’s annual appropriations and in providing technical assistance to interested Jewish communal agencies participating in the program.
Who Is Eligible?
Nonprofit organizations determined to be at high risk of a terrorist attack due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
How Much Is Available?
In FY2021, Congress appropriated $180 million for Urban Areas and Non-Urban Areas, split evenly between the two. In FY2021, organizations were able to apply for up to $150,000.00. Organizations applying within the NSGP-State (Non-Urban Areas) were encouraged to reference guidance from their State Administrative Agency (SAA), as the SAA may determine an award cap below $150,000.00.
What Are Awards Based On?
NSGP funds are historically allocated based on criteria that includes: threat and/or hazard assessments; identification and substantiation (e.g., police reports or insurance claims) of prior threats or attacks against the non-profit organization or closely related organizations (within or outside the United States) by a terrorist organization, network, or cell, and; the symbolic value of a site as a highly recognized national or historical institution that renders the location a possible target of terrorism.
What Are Allowable Costs?
Allowable costs are historically focused on target hardening activities, planning, training, and other distinct, identified costs. Funding can be used for the acquisition and installation of security equipment on real property (including buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization, planning and training (e.g., active threat training) to address threats and/or incidents, as well as hiring security personnel.
When Will Organizations Be Able to Apply?
We anticipate that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) preparedness grant programs, to include the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, will be released around February 2022.
Learn how to apply for a grant that helps our day schools, synagogues and partner organizations assess their vulnerabilities and secure funding to protect and “harden” their facilities with physical assets such as electric gates, surveillance cameras, and more.
