As a nonprofit organization, safety and security are always top priorities for your staff, volunteers and those you serve. Fortunately, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program by Wisconsin Emergency Management is designed to help nonprofit organizations prevent and protect against active assailants, harm from breaking and entering into the building, and disruptive criminals.
McMahon’s Public Safety and Municipal Management team has extensive experience in pre-grant activities, grant responsibilities and managing grants, and is here to help you prepare for, secure and use these important grant dollars.
What is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program?
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) can provide nonprofits with up to $150,000 for security-related activities and projects. This federal grant, provided by FEMA and administered by Wisconsin Emergency Management, focuses on helping nonprofit organizations prevent and protect against terrorist attacks and extremism.
The grant is reimbursement-based, so payments must be made upfront, with grant funds distributed after submitting proof of payment.
What can the grant dollars be used for?
Why are security-related projects important?
Security-related projects are critical for all nonprofit organizations, particularly larger ones such as houses of worship, educational facilities and hospitals, as these organizations are often seen as easy targets for extremists and terrorists due to their openness and the nature of their work. Implementing security measures and investing in staff training on how to recognize and respond to threats can significantly reduce the risk of an attack. Additionally, security-related projects can help to provide a sense of safety and peace of mind for staff, volunteers, and those served by the organization.
What is required of my organization to apply?
Organizations that are registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or those that are classified under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) as 501(c)(3) and are tax-exempt under section 501(a) of the IRC are eligible to apply.
Organizations that meet these criteria must complete some pre-grant activities before applying. These activities help determine security needs and will help educate organizations on how best to use their grant funds. Here are the requirements:
How can McMahon Help?
To help nonprofit organizations maximize the benefits of the NSGP, McMahon’s Public Safety and Municipal Management team can help throughout the entire grant application process, from pre-grant activities to grant responsibilities and management.
Pre-grant activities:
Grant responsibilities and management:
The timeline for the NSGP is critical, so do not hesitate to contact us to get started.
- February and March 2024: Federal release of the grant guidance
- March – May 2024: Non-profits can apply for the grant
- October 2024: FEMA approval is expected
- October and November 2024: Wisconsin opens the application window for the awarded non-profits
