Top Security Grants for Nonprofits and Churches: A 2026 Guide

For nonprofits, churches, and other houses of worship, security improvements often compete with mission-critical expenses for limited budgets. Fortunately, federal and state programs can help eligible organizations fund security initiatives.

For IT directors, security managers, facilities teams, and organizational leaders, the key is knowing where to look, what may qualify, and how to prepare before applications open.

Here are three security funding opportunities organizations should know about in 2026.

1. FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is one of the primary federal funding programs for nonprofit security.

The program provides funding for physical security and cybersecurity improvements to nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks. Houses of worship are among the organizations that may qualify.

Potential projects can include:

• Video surveillance
• Access control
• Security equipment
• Fencing, gates, and barriers
• Facility hardening
• Cybersecurity improvements
• Security planning and training

How to Apply

NSGP applications are coordinated through each state's State Administrative Agency (SAA) rather than submitted directly to FEMA by the nonprofit.

For Georgia organizations, that agency is the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS).

A critical detail: your state's deadline may be earlier than FEMA's federal deadline. Organizations should monitor their state's grant portal rather than waiting for FEMA's deadline.

Learn more: FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program

2. DOJ Enhancing Security Measures for Houses of Worship

Churches and faith-based organizations should also know about the Department of Justice's FY2026 Enhancing Security Measures for Houses of Worship Program.

The program is specifically intended to strengthen security and law-enforcement capabilities at faith-based institutions and houses of worship to help prevent and respond to bias-motivated crimes.

Eligible organizations include religious organizations, faith-based nonprofits, and organizations with religious charters, names, or missions.

Important for 2026: The current opportunity lists a September 2, 2026 application deadline.

Organizations interested in applying should review the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity before determining whether a proposed security project qualifies.

View the grant and application information: FY2026 Enhancing Security Measures for Houses of Worship

3. Georgia Funds for Protection of Communities (FPC)

Georgia nonprofits have another security funding resource available through the Funds for Protection of Communities (FPC) program.

Georgia allocated $3 million to the FY2026 program to support security improvements for qualifying nonprofits.

Eligible applicants include Georgia 501(c) nonprofit organizations that provide services within the state and either face a risk of terrorist or extremist attack or have identified security concerns.

For FY2026:

• No cost-share or matching funds were required.
• Awards were capped at $150,000 per applicant.
• Applications required an Investment Justification explaining how proposed projects address gaps in existing security capabilities.
• Applications were submitted through Georgia's EM Grants Manager system.

The FY2026 application period has closed, but Georgia nonprofits should monitor GEMA/HS for future rounds.

Learn more: Georgia Funds for Protection of Communities

Don't Wait for a Grant to Open

One of the most important steps in pursuing security funding happens before the application period begins.

Start with a vulnerability assessment.

Rather than approaching a grant with:

"We want new cameras."

Your organization should be able to explain:

Risk → Vulnerability → Recommended Security Measure → Expected Improvement

For example, an assessment may identify uncontrolled access at a particular entrance. A proposed access-control system can then be directly connected to mitigating that documented vulnerability.

That connection can also help organizations avoid purchasing isolated security products that don't address their highest-priority risks.

Use CISA's Free Security Assessment

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers a free Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment.

It walks organizations through potential vulnerabilities and security considerations. CISA specifically notes that the results can be used to prioritize security measures and help develop investment justifications for external grant requests.

Although designed for houses of worship, CISA notes that the methodology can also be useful to other nonprofits.

Access the free assessment: CISA Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment

Security Grant Readiness Checklist

Before applying, your security, IT, and facilities teams should be able to answer:

• What are our highest-priority security vulnerabilities?
• Have those vulnerabilities been documented?
• Which entrances and areas require controlled access?
• Does our video surveillance adequately cover critical areas?
• How are credentials and permissions managed?
• Are physical security devices appropriately protected on our network?
• What improvements would directly address identified vulnerabilities?
• Do we have realistic project costs and scope?
• Do we have the nonprofit and tax documentation required to apply?
• Who will manage the grant application and implementation?

Preparing these answers before a grant opens can make it much easier to develop a clear project and respond to short application windows.

Think Beyond Individual Security Products

Modern physical security increasingly overlaps with IT.

Cameras, access-control systems, credentials, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, monitoring, and emergency procedures should not be treated as completely separate projects.

CISA recommends taking a comprehensive approach that considers physical security, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, policies, procedures, and people together.

A grant can help fund security improvements, but the goal shouldn't simply be to purchase equipment. The goal should be to reduce identified risks with a security strategy designed around your facility and organization.

If you're considering security improvements or preparing for a future grant opportunity, now is the time to identify your vulnerabilities and establish priorities.

Want to learn more? Visit k9allsystems.com/contact.

Grant availability, eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and allowable expenses can change. Always review the current Notice of Funding Opportunity and official agency guidance before applying.

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