A number of resources exist to assist facilities with covering the cost of upgrading physical security, like adding ballistic-resistant protection.
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is administered by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. It offers financial assistance for physical security improvements at nonprofit entities identified as at-risk targets for attacks (whether it be from organized terror groups or lone perpetrators extremeists).
Applications for 2024 funding are due at the end of May.
Funding for next year will be announced in February/March of 2025, start early to make sure your application will have plenty of time to be completed. Read here for our advice on the application process.
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is administered by the Department of Justice. It's a federal initiative aimed at enhancing public safety by providing funding, resources, and technical assistance to support initiatives such as community policing, crime prevention, and physical security improvements.
The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund focuses on providing emergency support to states, school districts, and institutions of higher education that have been impacted by the needs that are considered out of the ordinary and require assistance that exceeds normal budgeting. The use of GEER funds varies state by state; however, many states are allowing the funds to be used for security improvements in schools.
If you are new to the grant application process, sorting through the paperwork can be intimidating. Or may simply not have the time to devote to completing the application with the proper fidelity. If either is the case, there are resources that can assist you.