Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $32 million in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to help New York nonprofits at high risk of terrorist attacks upgrade their physical and operational security. The funding is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and distributed through New York State. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a credible threat and can use the grants for security equipment, training, planning, and physical hardening measures.
What Nonprofits Are Eligible for the $32 Million Federal Funding
Nonprofits eligible for this funding must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in New York State that face a high risk of terrorist attack based on their mission, ideology, or affiliation. The program is not open to all nonprofits, eligibility is specifically tied to terrorism risk, not general vulnerability or financial need.
Eligible organization types include:
- Religious institutions (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples)
- Jewish community centers and cultural organizations
- LGBTQ+ advocacy and service organizations
- Civil rights organizations
- Ethnic and cultural heritage groups
- Social service agencies serving vulnerable or targeted populations
- Educational institutions affiliated with at-risk communities
To qualify, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) entity and must be able to demonstrate that it faces a credible threat of attack based on ideology, religious affiliation, or the populations it serves. Being located in a high-density urban area like New York City can strengthen an application but is not sufficient on its own.
Common mistake: Many nonprofits apply based on general neighborhood crime rates rather than documented terrorism risk. FEMA and DHSES reviewers look specifically for ideologically motivated threats, not ordinary criminal activity.
What Counts as High Risk of Terrorism for Nonprofits
A nonprofit qualifies as “high risk” when it can demonstrate that it is a plausible target for ideologically motivated violence, including domestic terrorism, hate crimes with a political motive, or international terrorist activity. This is a specific standard, not every nonprofit in a high-crime area meets it.
Factors that establish high terrorism risk:
- Prior incidents of vandalism, threats, or attacks motivated by bias or ideology
- Affiliation with a religious, ethnic, or political group that has been publicly targeted
- Documented threats received by the organization or its leadership
- Inclusion on threat intelligence reports from law enforcement agencies
- Proximity to other high-profile targets or symbolic locations
Organizations can strengthen their risk case by obtaining a formal threat assessment from local law enforcement or the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. A letter from local police or a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) on file can serve as supporting documentation.
Are Religious Organizations Eligible for Hochul Security Funding
Yes, religious organizations are explicitly eligible and are among the most common recipients of NSGP funding nationally. Houses of worship, including synagogues, mosques, churches, and temples, that can demonstrate a credible terrorism risk qualify under the same criteria as other nonprofits.
Historically, Jewish community organizations and houses of worship have received a large share of NSGP awards nationally, reflecting documented patterns of antisemitic threats and attacks. Muslim organizations, LGBTQ+ affirming congregations, and Black churches have also received funding in past cycles.
Religious organizations must still be registered as 501(c)(3) entities to apply. Faith communities that operate as unincorporated associations without nonprofit status will need to obtain that designation before applying.
What Security Improvements Does the $32 Million Nonprofit Funding Cover
The funding covers a wide range of physical security upgrades and preparedness activities directly tied to reducing terrorism risk. It does not cover general operating expenses, staff salaries unrelated to security, or routine building maintenance.
Allowable uses of NSGP funding include:
- Security cameras and surveillance systems
- Access control systems (key fobs, badge readers, reinforced entry points)
- Blast-resistant windows and doors
- Bollards and perimeter barriers
- Alarm systems and panic buttons
- Security lighting
- Security training for staff and volunteers
- Development of emergency action plans
- Hiring security consultants for vulnerability assessments
- Communication equipment for emergency response
Not covered: General IT upgrades unrelated to security, building renovations for comfort or accessibility, marketing, or fundraising activities.
How Much Funding Does Each Nonprofit Get From the Hochul Program
Individual nonprofit awards under the NSGP can reach up to $150,000 per grant cycle. The actual amount each organization receives depends on the scope of their security plan, the strength of their application, and available funding after all awards are made.
Not every applicant receives the maximum. Organizations with well-documented threats, detailed security plans, and clear budgets tend to receive higher awards. Smaller organizations with limited security needs may receive less.
The $32 million announced by Governor Hochul represents the total federal allocation for New York State in this cycle, distributed across dozens of qualifying nonprofits statewide.
How Do Nonprofits Apply for Hochul Terrorism Security Funding
Applications for the NSGP in New York are submitted through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) online grants portal. The process involves multiple steps and typically requires coordination with local law enforcement.
Application steps:
- Confirm 501(c)(3) status and gather supporting documentation.
- Conduct or commission a security vulnerability assessment of your facility.
- Obtain a letter of support or threat documentation from local law enforcement.
- Develop a detailed security improvement plan with itemized costs.
- Register in the DHSES grants portal if not already registered.
- Complete and submit the application before the published deadline.
- Await review and notification from DHSES.
Applications are reviewed competitively. Organizations that have completed a prior vulnerability assessment and have an existing relationship with local law enforcement tend to score higher.
When Is the Deadline to Apply for Hochul Nonprofit Security Funding
Specific application deadlines for each NSGP cycle are published by the New York State DHSES on its official website. Deadlines typically fall within 30 to 60 days of the federal funding announcement, so organizations should monitor DHSES communications closely.
For the current $32 million cycle announced in 2026, nonprofits should visit the DHSES website directly at dhses.ny.gov for the exact deadline. Missing the deadline disqualifies an application regardless of merit.
Practical tip: Begin preparing documentation, including your vulnerability assessment and law enforcement letter, at least 60 days before you expect the application window to open. These documents take time to obtain and cannot be rushed.
What Nonprofits Should NOT Apply for This Federal Funding
Organizations that do not face a credible, ideologically motivated terrorism threat should not apply. The NSGP is not a general safety grant, and applications that rely solely on neighborhood crime statistics or general vulnerability will not be competitive.
Organizations unlikely to qualify:
- Nonprofits with no documented history of threats or incidents related to ideology or affiliation
- Organizations whose primary risk is property crime rather than targeted violence
- Nonprofits that are not registered as 501(c)(3) entities
- Organizations located outside New York State (for this specific allocation)
- Groups whose security needs are primarily related to domestic disputes or non-ideological conflicts
Applying without meeting the core eligibility criteria wastes administrative resources and can delay funding for organizations that genuinely qualify.
How This Program Differs From Other Nonprofit Security Grants
The NSGP is unique because it is the only major federal grant program specifically designed for nonprofits at risk of terrorism. Most other security-related grants focus on law enforcement agencies, schools, or general community safety rather than ideologically targeted civilian organizations.
Key differences:
| Feature | NSGP | General Nonprofit Safety Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Terrorism focus required | Yes | No |
| Federal source | FEMA | Varies (DOJ, HUD, state agencies) |
| Religious orgs eligible | Yes | Varies |
| Max award per cycle | Up to $150,000 | Typically lower |
| Application through | State homeland security agency | Varies |
The NSGP also requires coordination with the state homeland security apparatus, which means applications are reviewed with input from law enforcement intelligence. General safety grants typically do not involve this level of threat verification.
How Long Does It Take to Receive the Nonprofit Security Funding
From application submission to receiving funds, the process typically takes four to eight months. This includes the review period, award notification, grant agreement execution, and disbursement.
Typical timeline:
- Application window: 30 to 60 days
- Review and award notification: 60 to 90 days after deadline
- Grant agreement execution: 30 to 45 days after notification
- First disbursement: 30 to 60 days after agreement is signed
Organizations should not begin purchasing security equipment or contracting services before a grant agreement is signed. Pre-award costs are generally not reimbursable unless specifically authorized in writing by DHSES.
Conclusion: What Nonprofits Should Do Now
Governor Hochul Announces $32 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Security for Nonprofits Facing High Risks of Terrorism, and the window to act is short. Organizations that wait until the application portal opens will struggle to gather the documentation needed for a competitive submission.
Actionable next steps for eligible nonprofits:
- Verify your 501(c)(3) status and confirm it is current with the IRS.
- Contact your local police precinct or FBI field office to discuss your organization’s threat profile and request a formal threat assessment or letter of support.
- Commission or complete a security vulnerability assessment using a qualified security consultant familiar with FEMA standards.
- Build a detailed security improvement plan with itemized costs tied to specific vulnerabilities identified in your assessment.
- Register on the DHSES grants portal at dhses.ny.gov and sign up for email alerts about the application window.
- Consult with a grants administrator if your organization lacks in-house grant-writing capacity, many regional nonprofit support organizations offer free assistance.
The $32 million announced by Governor Hochul represents a meaningful federal commitment to protecting New York’s most vulnerable community organizations. Nonprofits that invest time now in documentation and planning will be far better positioned to secure funding and, more importantly, to protect the people they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a nonprofit need to have experienced a prior attack to qualify?
A: No. A documented credible threat, such as written threats, vandalism with ideological motivation, or inclusion in law enforcement threat reports, is sufficient. A prior attack is not required.
Q: Can a nonprofit apply for NSGP funding in multiple consecutive years?
A: Yes. Nonprofits can reapply in subsequent grant cycles, and prior recipients in good standing are eligible to apply again. Each cycle is evaluated independently.
Q: Is matching funding required from the nonprofit?
A: The NSGP does not require a cost match from the applicant organization, which makes it accessible to smaller nonprofits with limited budgets.
Q: Can the funding be used to hire a full-time security guard?
A: Generally, no. Personnel costs for ongoing security staff are not an allowable expense. The funding is focused on physical security improvements, equipment, and one-time training activities.
Q: Who administers the grant after an award is made?
A: The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) administers the grant on behalf of FEMA. Nonprofits report to DHSES, not directly to FEMA.
Q: Can a nonprofit apply for both the urban (NSGP-UA) and state (NSGP-S) allocations?
A: Nonprofits in eligible urban areas (such as New York City) may apply under the urban allocation. Organizations in other parts of New York State apply under the state allocation. Check with DHSES to confirm which category applies to your location.
Q: What happens if a nonprofit misuses the grant funds?
A: Misuse of federal grant funds can result in repayment demands, disqualification from future grants, and potential federal fraud liability. All expenditures must be documented and tied to the approved security plan.
Q: Are schools or hospitals eligible for NSGP funding?
A: Schools and hospitals are not typically eligible under the NSGP, which is designed specifically for 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Separate federal programs address security needs for educational and healthcare facilities.
References
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security / FEMA. Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Notice of Funding Opportunity. fema.gov. 2024.
- New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. NSGP Program Overview. dhses.ny.gov. 2024.
- Office of Governor Kathy Hochul. Governor Hochul Announces Federal Funding for Nonprofit Security. governor.ny.gov. 2025.
- FEMA. Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance. fema.gov. 2023.
