Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program — State

Same federal program and dollar limits as NSGP-UA, but for nonprofits physically located outside FEMA's UASI-designated urban areas. Same SAA application process, same allowable costs.

To apply for the NSGP-S, your organization generally needs to be:

• ✓A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• ✓Registered in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity ID (UEI)
• ✓Physically located outside a FEMA-designated high-risk urban area
• ✓Able to document a risk of terrorism / violent attacks and hate crimes

• 501(c)(3) status from the IRS

  Federal tax-exempt status. Required for almost every security grant. If you don't have it yet, the IRS Form 1023 process can take several months.

• IRS determination letter

  Your IRS 501(c)(3) confirmation letter. Usually attached to grant applications as proof of status.

• SAM.gov registration (with UEI)

  Federal entity ID. Free, takes about 7–10 business days. Required for federal grants. Usually NOT required for state-only grants.

• Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (TVRA)

  A documented assessment of your organization's specific risk profile. Often available at no cost through CISA Protective Security Advisors, your local police department, or community security organizations (such as the Secure Community Network); your FBI field office may also help. Availability varies by area.

• Investment Justification narrative

  The heart of the application — explains the threat, your mission, the proposed mitigation, and how you'll sustain it after the grant ends.

• Budget Detail Worksheet

  Itemized budget mapped to allowable cost categories. The grant administrator usually provides a template.

• Mission statement

  A clear statement of your organization's purpose and the community you serve.

• Board resolution authorizing the application

  A formal vote from your board of directors authorizing the application and committing to comply with grant terms.

• Target hardening (cameras, doors, fences, alarms, lighting)
• Paid security guards
• Staff training
• Security planning
• Cybersecurity measures
• Construction and renovation

• •First-time applicants get a +15 point bonus on the scoring rubric.
• •You apply through your state's homeland security agency (the SAA), not directly to FEMA.
• •Both physical security and cybersecurity measures are allowable — cybersecurity has been eligible since at least FY2025, not new to FY2026.
• •Applying for multiple sites? Each site needs its OWN vulnerability/risk assessment — a single shared assessment can get the whole application rejected in FY2026.
• •Construction or renovation triggers FEMA Environmental & Historic Preservation (EHP) review — work can't begin until FEMA approves it, so budget extra lead time.

Applications for the NSGP-S are administered by FEMA via your State Administrative Agency (SAA). Confirm the current deadline and submission details on the official program page before you apply.