Unlocking Federal Funding: How Faith-Based Groups Can Access Grants for Security Upgrades in 2025

davidau
16 hours ago
5 min read

In 2025, security is at the forefront of every faith community leader’s mind. Houses of worship, religious schools, and other faith-based organizations are more aware than ever of the threats facing their campuses and congregants. The good news? Federal funding opportunities for security upgrades haven’t disappeared—they’ve just gotten a little more competitive and complex to access. This guide breaks down where the biggest funding stream comes from, how your group can tap into it, and the roadblocks you may encounter along the way.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Your Federal Gateway

For years, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) has been the go-to source for faith-based organizations seeking to strengthen their physical security. Run by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the NSGP continues to receive bipartisan support and increased funding.

In 2024, NSGP supported more than 3,200 faith-based and nonprofit organizations with over $454 million in funding—a historic high thanks to $390 million in new supplemental funds allocated by Congress. This financial boost enabled communities nationwide to invest in real, actionable safety upgrades.

So, what can you actually fund through the NSGP? Quite a bit. Here’s a look:

Security cameras and CCTV systems
Access control (badges, key fobs, electronic locks)
Contracted security guards
Emergency notification and PA systems
Blast-resistant entryways, bollards, fences, and other structural enhancements
Training and tabletop exercises for staff and volunteers
Cybersecurity upgrades and tech improvements
Planning activities, vulnerability assessments, drills

NSGP does have strict boundaries. Funds can’t be used for day-to-day operating costs, your regular payroll, overtime, worship activities, or anything directly related to weapons (including purchase or weapons training). There are also no “proof of concept” or technology research grants—it’s about making actionable, physical improvements right now.

Why Federal Funding Is Tougher in 2025

Faith-based organizations are feeling the squeeze this year. Federal partnership is less predictable, with more grant programs either temporarily paused, outright defunded, or revised with new requirements. Agency budget cycles are volatile, and application timelines can be shorter or more erratic than in years past.

Here’s what we’re seeing in 2025:

Grants often come with quick deadlines, last-minute updates, or shifting eligibility language.
Continuing resolutions in Congress mean agencies are sometimes operating without a clear annual budget.
Some grant programs use eligibility or scoring criteria that reference new Executive Orders, requiring closer attention to terminology and intent in your application narrative.

In practical terms: be ready to pivot fast, keep your security planning documents updated, and develop a grant application “toolkit” so you can act quickly when funding cycles open.

Keys to a Standout NSGP Application

1. Get Your Paperwork in Order

Eligibility starts with confirming your 501(c)(3) status and having a mission that aligns with public benefit criteria. If your organization’s main activity is worship—or where the line between public service and religious activity is blurry—be prepared with clear explanations of how the funded project serves both the congregation and community at large (not just members).

Remember, federal funds cannot be used for inherently religious activities. Keep worship and federal projects separate and document your compliance.

2. Complete a Thorough Risk Assessment

A compelling grant application almost always starts with a detailed, professional risk and vulnerability assessment. This serves as the justification for the improvements you’re requesting. The assessment should identify real risks: hate crimes, bomb threats, vandalism, or other specific threats relevant to your location, movement, or community history.

Timato Systems specializes in these assessments for faith communities—learn more about our Active Vigilance approach here.

3. Define a Measurable, Mission-Aligned Project

Tie your upgrades to specific risks and show how they will protect people inside and beyond your organization. For example, “adding monitored access controls is necessary due to a recent spate of regional break-ins and threats, and will allow for rapid lockdown in an emergency.” The more tangible and quantifiable your security gap and solution, the better.

Be explicit. If you’re seeking funding for video surveillance, outline how it will improve your ability to detect, investigate, and prevent threats—while maintaining values of privacy and stewardship.

4. Build Community Partnerships

Demonstrating collaboration (with local police, nearby nonprofits, or community organizations) strengthens applications. Letters of support, MOUs, or partnership agreements that show joint preparedness or resource sharing can set your application apart.

The NSGP Application Calendar

Applications open following FEMA’s annual NSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity, typically released late October. Application windows may be as short as 4 weeks, so don’t wait. Prepare all documentation—including your risk assessment, project descriptions, and budgets—in advance.

Use the following checklist:

501(c)(3) status documentation
Detailed facility risk assessment
Description and justification for proposed upgrades
Itemized project budget
Partnership or support letters
Completed FEMA NSGP application forms

If selected, you’ll enter a project review and award administration phase; be ready to show invoices, receipts, and proof of project completion as required.

Staying Competitive: Success Rates and Strategies

It’s not all doom and gloom—faith-based organizations consistently win grants through the NSGP at nearly a 10% higher success rate than secular organizations. Why? Faith communities are keenly aware of active threats and can provide detailed narratives of incidents, vulnerabilities, and the public benefit of enhanced security.

Stand out by:

Telling a detailed, fact-based story of risk and resilience
Tying your upgrades clearly to documented incidents or credible threats
Emphasizing preparedness for the “whole community,” including vulnerable populations served by your programs
Showing sustainability—how will you maintain, staff, and continually improve these security upgrades?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my church or synagogue work with a contractor to apply? Yes, professional grant writers or security consultants are allowed, but the organization’s leadership must be directly involved in defining needs and priorities.

Will the government fund security training for our team? Yes, as long as the training is not weapons-based or exclusively focused on religious duties.

Will the public know what security upgrades we installed? Federal award databases are public record, but specific project details can remain confidential for safety reasons.

Can I buy guns or hire armed guards with my grant? No funding for weapons or weapons training. Security staffing funds are for contracted, unarmed guards only.

Taking Action: Next Steps for Your Faith Community

Start your risk assessment and facility walk-through now.
Meet with your leadership committee and budget for potential matching funds (some grants require this).
Partner with an experienced security advisor who understands both federal funding and the nuances of faith-based security needs.
Sign up for updates from FEMA, your regional nonprofit associations, and Timato Systems.

2025’s funding climate is challenging, but actionable. Persistence, preparation, and partnership will pay off for prepared faith communities ready to safeguard their space and the people they serve.

Want tailored help? Explore our Active Vigilance consulting and risk assessments, specifically designed for the needs of houses of worship and faith-based schools.