Massachusetts Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant

Companion to the Commonwealth NSGP, specifically for security personnel costs. $500K total available across all awardees. Performance period anticipated Jan/Feb 2026 through September 30, 2026.

To apply for the MA Personnel Grant, your organization generally needs to be:

• ✓A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• ✓Located and/or incorporated in Massachusetts
• ✓Able to document a risk of hate crimes and terrorism / violent attacks

• 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.

• 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.

• Contracted, qualified security personnel (not on-duty law enforcement; no equipment or uniforms)

• •Up to $40,000 per organization, and the grant requires a 1:1 match — the Commonwealth puts in $1 for every $1 your organization contributes. Confirm current-cycle terms with OGR.

Applications for the MA Personnel Grant are administered by Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research (OGR). Confirm the current deadline and submission details on the official program page before you apply.