Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) Funding Support for Security at Nonprofit Entities

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) administers the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) for the state of Georgia. The NSGP is a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of nonprofit organizations that may be at a higher risk of violent acts. Through this grant program and our security assessment programs, GEMA/HS empowers eligible nonprofit organizations to enhance their protective measures and safeguard the communities they serve.

Program Objectives

The primary objective of GEMA/HS’s grant strategy is to provide financial assistance to eligible nonprofit organizations to improve their physical security infrastructure and implement security enhancements. The program addresses potential vulnerabilities and protects against potential acts of terrorism and other acts of violence, ensuring that nonprofits can continue to fulfill their vital missions while fostering safe environments for their members, employees, and the public.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the NSGP, nonprofit organizations must meet specific requirements.

They must be classified as a 501(c)(3) and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such code;
Able to demonstrate through the application that the organization is at high risk of terrorist or other extremist attack; and
For NSGP-UA, located within a FY2024 UASI-designated high-risk urban area; or GR NSEP-5, located outside of a FY2024 UASI-designated high risk urban area.

Eligible nonprofit organizations include, but are not limited to:

Houses of worship (e.g., churches, synagogues, mosques, temples)
Schools and educational institutions
Community centers
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Cultural centers and museums
Homeless shelters and social service providers
Organizations that provide critical services to the community

Applying for the NSGP

The application process for the NSGP is competitive and requires careful preparation. Organizations seeking to apply should closely follow the guidelines provided by GEMA/HS and DHS when the grant opportunity is announced. The application involves several key steps:

Preparing the Application: Before initiating the formal application process, organizations should gather all necessary documentation, including proof of tax-exempt status, organizational information, and details regarding the proposed security enhancements.
Risk Assessment: Applicants are required to conduct a risk assessment that evaluates their vulnerability to potential terrorist threats or violent attacks. This assessment forms a critical component of the application, providing GEMA/HS and DHS with a clear understanding of the organization's security needs.
Project Proposal: The NSGP application necessitates a well-structured and comprehensive project proposal. This proposal should outline the specific security measures the organization intends to implement, along with their estimated costs. Funds available are determined each year.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Organizations must demonstrate that the proposed security enhancements represent a cost-effective investment concerning the potential risk reduction.
Collaboration: Applicants may collaborate with local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and community stakeholders to bolster their application and foster a sense of community engagement in security efforts.

A Mission Statement and Vulnerability Assessment are required to be submitted along with the Investment Justification.

All NSGP applicants must submit:

Investment Justification
Mission Statement
Vulnerability Assessment

No, later than 11:59 pm on June 4, 2024. Failure to turn in the above items within the allotted timeframe will result in your grant application being forfeited.

Next Funding Cycle

GEMA/HS typically announces the opening of the NSGP application period and provides details regarding the funding cycle in February of each year. GEMA/HS receives all NSGP grant applications and then reviews, scores, ranks, and submits Georgia’s applications to DHS for final award decisions. Award announcements are generally made in October of each year.

To stay informed about the upcoming funding cycle, interested organizations should frequently visit the DHS and GEMA/HS websites, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and follow the official social media channels of GEMA/HS and DHS. Additionally, it is advisable to join relevant industry associations or networks that may share updates and information about security-related grant opportunities.

Conclusion

The GEMA/HS Nonprofit Security Grant Program plays a vital role in bolstering the security and resilience of nonprofit organizations in Georgia. By providing financial assistance to eligible nonprofits, the NSGP empowers these organizations to implement critical security measures, safeguarding their members, assets, and the communities they serve. Through a competitive application process, eligible nonprofits can access the funding required to mitigate risks and prepare for potential threats. By continually monitoring updates from the GEMA/HS, eligible organizations can ensure they are well-prepared for the next funding cycle and take significant steps toward enhancing their security capabilities.

NOTE: Applications will only be accepted on-line via the Georgia EM Grants Manager System at ga.emgrants.com beginning April 17, 2024.

Details

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 97.008

CFDA Title: Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

Key Dates

The Application period opens April 17, 2024.

All applications for this grant must be received by the deadline, June 4, 2024 to be considered.

GEMA/HS expects notification of award no later than September 30, 2024.

General projected state-level period of performance (POP) is September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2027.

Last updated: 9/15/2023