On December 11, 2001 (90 days after 9/11), the Senate Government Affairs Committee held a groundbreaking hearing on “The Role Communities Play in Homeland Security.” A statement submitted for the hearing record, drafted by Rob Goldberg, urged Congress that as it further deliberated on how best to secure local communities, it included meeting the security needs of the nonprofit sector and the related costs nonprofit and faith-based organizations would incur. Thus began Rob’s more than two decades leading communal advocacy to establish federal supports and financial resources for nonprofit security. These efforts culminated in Congress establishing the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in 2004.
NSGP provides federal funding for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at risk of a terrorist (or violent extremist) attack. In FY 2022, NSGP applicants could apply for up to three sites for a maximum of $150 thousand per site. Eligible investments include Physical Security Enhancement Equipment; Security Planning, Training and Exercises; and Contracted Security Personnel. The NSGP grant opportunity is open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and faith-based institutions, nationally. It entails a competitive application and review process based on the availability of funding, assessment of risk, and the quality, efficiency and efficacy of the grant proposals submitted.
From FY2005 to FY2022, Rob Goldberg led national and local advocacy efforts that helped secure a total of $850 million in federal funding for NSGP. Between FY 2005 and FY 2021, the Department of Homeland Security allocated $600 million in NSGP grants to more than 6,500 nonprofit applicants. An additional $250 million in allocations is pending the finalization of the FY 2022 application process which DHS will announce later this year. Rob has guided thousands of nonprofit and faith-based organizations navigate the NSGP application process.
Navigating the NSGP grant process can be daunting. However, with the right guidance and technical assistance from experienced professionals, the process can be quite manageable. Goldberg & Associates is available to advise interested parties on the NSGP application process and in developing NSGP grant applications.
