Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The NSGP provides funding for physical security enhancements at nonprofit organizations and houses of worship that face elevated risk of terrorist attack. IntelliSee's AI-powered detection platform is an eligible expense under NSGP.

What the NSGP Funds

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is administered by FEMA through the Department of Homeland Security and provides funding to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. NSGP funds are specifically designated for physical security enhancements, including target hardening, security equipment, and security-related planning activities.

Eligible expenses under NSGP include security cameras and video surveillance systems, access control systems, intrusion detection systems, AI-powered threat detection software, mass notification systems, security assessments, and security training. IntelliSee qualifies as an eligible NSGP expenditure because it enhances existing surveillance infrastructure with real-time AI threat detection capabilities.

Two NSGP Tiers

• NSGP-UA (Urban Area): For nonprofits located within designated Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) regions. Awards typically range from $50,000 to $150,000. Organizations in high-density metro areas with elevated threat profiles receive priority consideration.
• NSGP-S (State): For nonprofits located outside UASI-designated areas, including rural and suburban communities. Awards are generally smaller but extend the program's reach to organizations that may face significant risk without the infrastructure support of an urban area.

Who Is Eligible

NSGP is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. Common applicants include houses of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples), community centers, schools operated by nonprofits, healthcare facilities operated by nonprofits, and cultural institutions. Organizations must demonstrate through their application that they face a specific, credible threat or that their profile makes them a likely target.

Key eligibility requirements include maintaining tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, being located in a state that participates in the NSGP program, and completing a vulnerability assessment that identifies specific security gaps the grant funding would address.

Application Process and Timeline

NSGP follows an annual application cycle, typically with the following timeline:

• Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Published by FEMA, usually in late winter or early spring. The NOFO details eligible activities, funding amounts, and application requirements for the current fiscal year.
• Application Period: Organizations submit applications through their State Administrative Agency (SAA), which coordinates submissions within each state. Applications require a detailed investment justification explaining how the requested equipment or services will reduce vulnerability.
• Award Notification: Typically announced in late summer or early fall. Awarded organizations receive grant agreements specifying the approved expenditures and performance period.
• Performance Period: Usually 24-36 months from the date of award. All equipment must be procured, installed, and operational within this timeframe. Extensions may be available in certain circumstances.

How IntelliSee Fits NSGP Applications

IntelliSee is positioned as a force multiplier for NSGP-funded security programs because it enhances existing camera infrastructure rather than requiring new hardware purchases. This maximizes the impact of limited grant dollars by transforming passive surveillance systems into active, AI-powered threat detection networks.

When writing an NSGP investment justification, organizations can position IntelliSee under the "Physical Security Enhancement Equipment" category, specifically as a video analytics and automated threat detection platform. Key points for the investment justification include:

• DHS SAFETY Act QATT Designation: IntelliSee carries a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology designation from the Department of Homeland Security, demonstrating that the technology has been evaluated and approved by the same federal agency that administers NSGP.
• No Camera Replacement Required: IntelliSee layers onto existing IP cameras, meaning NSGP dollars go further. Grant funds can be directed toward the AI detection capability rather than replacing hardware that already exists.
• Multi-Threat Detection: A single IntelliSee deployment provides detection of weapons, unauthorized access, loitering, crowd formation, and other threats simultaneously across all connected cameras, providing a comprehensive security upgrade with a single investment.
• No Facial Recognition: IntelliSee detects threats without processing, storing, or transmitting biometric data, which simplifies privacy compliance considerations for organizations serving diverse communities.

Strengthening Your NSGP Application

Successful NSGP applications demonstrate a clear connection between the organization's vulnerability and the proposed security investment. Organizations applying for NSGP funding to deploy IntelliSee should emphasize the specific threats they face and how AI-powered detection addresses gaps that passive camera systems cannot. Including incident data, threat assessments from law enforcement partners, and evidence of previous security incidents strengthens the application.

IntelliSee can provide supporting documentation for NSGP applications, including product specifications, deployment architecture diagrams, DHS SAFETY Act designation verification, and integration details for organizations that also plan to deploy RapidSOS, AtlasIED, or Singlewire mass notification systems as part of their NSGP-funded security program.

Related Grant Programs

• Grant Funding Guide -- comprehensive overview of all federal and state grant programs for AI security
• Legislation Tracker -- state-by-state security mandates driving grant eligibility
• AI Gun Detection -- the core technology that NSGP funds can support
• Request a Grant Application Consultation -- speak with IntelliSee about supporting your NSGP submission

Need Help With Your NSGP Application?

IntelliSee works with nonprofits and houses of worship to build compelling grant applications. Request a free consultation to discuss your security needs and NSGP eligibility.

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