U.S. House introduces the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Funding Improvement Act to provide upfront security funds to nonprofits

Key Takeaways

On Oct. 6, two members of the U.S. House of Representatives released the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Funding Improvement Act, which would create an upfront federal funding model for nonprofits receiving awards from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NGSP). 

The bill, introduced by Reps. Susie Lee (D-N.V.) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), would specifically amend Section 2009 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) to require that funding from NSGP is provided to nonprofits in advance of spending on upgrades to their physical security rather than as reimbursements for money already spent. 

Background

The NGSP is a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that provides federal funding to nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks to harden their physical security. The program made available $300 million in federal funds for such grants during Fiscal Year 2026. 

Currently, after a competitive grant application process, nonprofits that receive awards through NGSP only receive those funds as reimbursements after the fact for the costs of improvements rather than as advance payments. These reimbursements are often accompanied by delays that leave nonprofits struggling to operate on limited budgets after paying out of pocket for critical security upgrades.  

County Impact

Counties play a central role in protecting the communities where nonprofits operate, often serving as the link between those organizations, emergency managers and public safety agencies. Providing nonprofit organizations with better access to funding for security enhancements would relieve pressure on county budgets which often step in to bear those costs to keep the community safe. 

“Counties are on the front lines of keeping communities safe, but too often they are left filling the gap when nonprofits can’t afford to pay upfront for critical security upgrades,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “The Nonprofit Security Grant Program Funding Improvement Act would allow approved nonprofits to receive funding upfront, helping them strengthen security sooner rather than delaying upgrades due to lack of capital. That means safer facilities, stronger coordination with local law enforcement and more resilient communities. Counties urge Congress to advance this bipartisan legislation quickly.”