FY27 COMMONWEALTH NONPROFIT SECURITY PERSONNEL GRANT PROGRAM

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) will make available $750,000 for nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organizations to competitively solicit one-time grant funding to assist with the cost of security personnel. Eligible nonprofit organizations include religious, educational, medical/health and human service providers (and the like) that have demonstrated to be at high risk for terrorist attacks or hate crimes. Participating nonprofits shall contribute matching funds equal to $1 for every $1 contributed by the Commonwealth.

Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating the greatest need AND proposing cost-effective solutions to hire security personnel. Preference will also be given to nonprofit applicants who have experienced specific threats and/or specific incidents of terrorism or hate crimes known or believed to be related to their nonprofit organization’s purpose, mission, or service.

Security Personnel - Funding must be used for contracted employees who are qualified and trained security personnel, specifically for prevention of and/or protection against the risk of a terrorist attack or hate crime.

Applicants must provide OGR with the hourly/daily rate, the number of personnel, and anticipated number of hours/days the personnel will work over the course of the period of performance. CNSPGP funds may not be used to purchase equipment, uniforms, or other items for security personnel.

Costs for security provided by on-duty law enforcement personnel are not allowable.

Applicants must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and may solicit up to **$40,000** in funding under this competitive grant. All applicants must submit letter of support signed by their local Police Chief stating the department was consulted and concurs that the implementation of these security measures would lead to a safer community.

Only one (1) application per nonprofit may be submitted for consideration of funding. A nonprofit organization may request funding for multiple locations in separate communities; however, the nonprofit must submit a separate application for each location for which it is requesting funding.

Applicants must contribute an actual dollar for dollar match ($1 matched by the nonprofit for every $1 funded by the grant). In kind services are not allowed in place of $1 for $1 match.

All services under this award must be completed by September 30, 2027.

**Submission method:** The application and attachments are to be submitted electronically via the online application form. Emailed submissions will NOT be accepted.

Submit your online application form no later than **Friday, November 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.**

The online application must be completed and submitted with the following required attachments uploaded:

• *Attachment A*: Budget Excel Workbook (in Excel format, not PDF) uploaded to online application form.
• Letter of support from local Police Chief.

Scoring

This is a competitive grant and will be subject to a peer review process consisting of two internal and one external reviewer being assigned to each submission.

• Clear and adequate responses in the Application Information section (5 points).
• A thorough explanation of need, including relevant local data to demonstrate need and correlation to the requested services to be purchased that will address the stated need (35 points).
• A project description that clearly describes the benefits of security personnel to the nonprofit and community seeking funding (30 points)
• An implementation plan and timeline that is feasible and ensures all services will be received and paid for within the anticipated grant period (10 points).
• A detailed, reasonable, and complete budget (20 points).

Applicants may submit a budget for up to nine (9) months of funding. Performance Period (anticipated): January 2027 – September 30, 2027. Award Notification (anticipated): January 2027.