Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

Grants to California nonprofits for projects to enhance the physical security of nonprofit organization sites. Funding is intended to secure sites against terrorist attacks based on the organization's mission, beliefs, or ideology. Funding is also intended to integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

In FY 2019, there are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations:
1) Nonprofit Security Grant Program - Urban Area (NSGP-UA): NSGP-UA funds nonprofit organizations located within FY 2019 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)-designated urban areas. FY 2019 NSGP Eligible Urban Areas: Anaheim/Santa Ana Area, Bay Area, Los Angeles/Long Beach Area, Riverside Area, Sacramento Area, San Diego Area.
2) Nonprofit Security Grant Program - State (NSGP-S): Under NSGP-S, each state will receive a target allocation for nonprofit organizations located outside of FY 2019 UASI-designated urban areas.

FY 2019 NSGP allowable costs are focused on security-related activities. Funding can be used for security-related planning; exercises; training; contracted security personnel; and the acquisition and installation of security equipment on real property (including buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization at the time of application.

Equipment is limited to two sections of items on the Authorized Equipment List (AEL): Physical Security Enhancement Equipment (Section 14) and Inspection and Screening Systems (Section 15).

Certain costs for training of nonprofit staff and members/congregants are also permitted. Allowable training topics are limited to the protection of critical infrastructure and key resources, including physical and cyber security, target hardening, and terrorism awareness/employee preparedness. Training conducted using NSGP funds must address a specific threat or vulnerability, as identified in the nonprofit organization’s investment justification (IJ).

FY 2019 NSGP evaluation criteria includes:
- State and Federal verification that the nonprofit organization is located within one of the FY 2019 UASI-designated urban areas for NSGP-UA or outside of one of the FY 2019 UASI-designated urban areas for NSGP-S;
- Identification and substantiation of prior threats or attacks (from within or outside the United States) by a terrorist organization, network, or cell against the applicant based on its ideology, beliefs, or mission;
- Symbolic value of the site(s) as a highly recognized regional, national, or historical institution(s) that renders the site(s) a possible target of terrorism;
- Role of the applicant nonprofit organization in responding to terrorist attacks;
- Findings from previously conducted threat or vulnerability assessments;
- Integration of nonprofit preparedness with broader state/territory, tribal, and local preparedness efforts;
- Complete and feasible IJ that addresses an identified risk, including the assessed threat, vulnerability, and consequence of the risk, and proposes building or sustaining a core capability identified in the Goal; and
- History of prior year funding under NSGP.