As the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) gains momentum, the competitive landscape intensifies. This year, with funding down from last year’s allocation, the challenge to secure funding is more competitive than ever. However, there’s a silver lining: in 2023, 42% of applicants successfully enhanced their security through FEMA’s grant. Are you ready to be part of this year’s fortunate few? Whether you’re gearing up for your first application or refining your strategy for 2025, I’ll later share insights that can bolster your chances for a successful application.
Many churches are still anticipating the announcement of the opening of the NSGP, eagerly waiting to apply for the 2024 cycle. Last year, the demand for these funds reached over $600 million, but only $305 million was distributed among nonprofits across the nation. As the NSGP’s reputation grows, so does the competition, making each application cycle more challenging than the last.
While we wait for the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to be released, there’s been a significant development: Congress has reduced the available budget to $274.5 million, slashing over 30 million from the grant for the upcoming year. Despite this setback, there’s a glimmer of hope: as noted earlier, in 2023, FEMA fulfilled 42% of the requests for security enhancements. This figure is encouraging, as nearly half of the applicants received the support they needed to bolster their security measures.
If you’re contemplating applying this year, or perhaps starting preparations for 2025, here are four key strategies to enhance your chances of success:
1. Complete a Professional Security Risk Assessment
Begin with a thorough security risk assessment conducted by a seasoned professional. This assessment is the cornerstone of your application. It should identify all potential vulnerabilities your security enhancements will address. Beyond the grant application, this assessment provides a detailed roadmap for improving your security infrastructure.
2. Draft Your Application Thoughtfully
Given the increasing competitiveness of the grant, it’s crucial to prepare a meticulous application. Start by drafting your application in a Word document. This approach allows you to systematically organize your application, detailing why your facility is vulnerable to threats and the specific enhancements you need. Ensure that your justifications are well-articulated and review your draft multiple times to produce the strongest application possible.
3. Gather Detailed Proposals for Security Enhancements
Over the past five years, I’ve assisted churches and nonprofits in securing over $12 million in grants. A common pitfall many organizations encounter is estimating costs without accurate quotes. Reach out to vendors to get formal proposals for your security upgrades. This not only helps justify the costs in your application but also demonstrates your preparedness and commitment to enhancing security.
4. Seek External Reviews of Your Application
Experience shows that applications reviewed by someone outside your organization stand a better chance of success. These reviewers can offer fresh perspectives and help ensure your application aligns with the NSGP’s scoring criteria. While hiring a grant writer isn’t necessary, having an informed outsider review your application can be immensely beneficial.
As we anticipate the opening of the 2024 application period, these four strategies can prepare you to be among the successful 42%. Remember, despite a smaller budget, the data indicates a substantial number of applicants succeed each year. We would also love to hear from previous grant recipients. Your success stories could inspire and guide future applicants. Share your experiences with us and help enrich our community’s knowledge base.
Simon Osamoh serves as the editor of Security Connections and is nationally recognized for his work in safeguarding houses of worship. He began his career in England, spending 14 years as a detective specializing in serious and organized crime before leading Counter Terrorism at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Simon founded Kingswood Security Consulting and the Worship Security Academy, aimed at providing security solutions to houses of worship. He is the author of two Amazon bestselling books and the host of the Worship Security Academy podcast. For submissions or topic ideas, reach out to Simon at sosamoh@worshipfacility.com