FY27 Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program - Questions & Answers

Questions and Answers (last updated 11/9/26)

Q: If my organization has two or more locations can each location through
their separate application solicit up to $75,000?

A: Yes, each location may solicit up to $75,000.00 per location.

Q: Does our organization need to register for the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number on Sam.gov to apply for the CNSGP grant?
 

A: No, these are state funds and don’t require a UEI number or registering in SAM.gov.
 

Q: Can you apply for this grant a second time if you have already received funding from this grant or other OGR grants in the past?
 

A: Previous awardees are eligible to apply; however, funding preference will be given first to those who have yet to secure funding in past years for this initiative. After all potential first-time awardees are considered for funding, if there are remaining funds available, repeat awardees will be considered.
 

Q: Does this Grant go through Federal Homeland Security at all and need to follow the same restrictions as the latest NSGP grants?
 

A: These are state funds, not federal funds and are not subject to DHS rules.
 

Q: Is it still worth applying for organizations who do not have documented threats of incidents or hate crimes?

A: Organizations who have experienced any prior incidents or hate crimes will receive priority. You should fill out the application to the best of your ability and try to strengthen your application in other areas. Such as a thorough description of the need for the equipment, project description and implementation plan sections. This will be a competitive process, but it will not eliminate your application just because your organization has not experienced any incidents or hate crimes.
 

Q: Is the same nonprofit able to apply for both the CNSGP and CNSPGP opportunity? Or does the organization have to choose one?
 

A: Yes, the same nonprofit can apply for both grants simultaneously.
 

Q: When does the grant contract begin and when can I start spending funds?
 

A: The grant contract does not go into effect until all contracting forms have been sent in, and the contract has been signed by OGR’s executive director. No activity can begin before the contract is executed. Reimbursement can only be reimbursed for equipment after the contract has been signed.
 

Q: When does the performance period begin and end?
 

A: The CNSGP (anticipated) January 2027 – Auguste 31st, 2027. However, the period of performance does not begin until the contract has been signed by OGR’s executive director.
 

Q: If the quote for our project is not itemized for labor, materials and installation. Can we submit the amount as one bundled contractor expense on the budget workbook? 

A: The application needs to have a clear breakdown between installation and equipment costs. Additionally, it is in your organization’s best interest to receive a clear breakdown of costs so as to fully understand the project scope.
 

Q: Are you requiring both an electronic as well as a hard copy application submission?
 

A: No, the online application is the only application that needs to be submitted.
 

Q: Are the grant program funds only allowed for new, not yet installed equipment?

A: Yes, the grant program is only for new equipment that will be installed during the grant period of performance. Unfortunately, you cannot use grant funds for equipment that has already been purchased and then use the grant to supplement your budget, or you will not be able to be reimbursed through grant funds. The grant contract does not go into effect until the contract is signed, and reimbursement can only be reimbursed for equipment after the contract is signed. Q: Can the Budget Worksheet have a contingency amount listed? A: All allowable expenses must be listed in the budget workbook. We do not allow miscellaneous costs under this grant program.
 

Q: Are generators an allowable item? 

A: Yes, generators would be considered an eligible item, but please stress the importance of the item and its nexus to terrorism on the application when applying. 

Q: What are some examples of eligible items for the CNSGP grant?
 

A: Some examples of allowable security expenses would be door access control system, ballistic resistant window film, barriers, doors, windows, cameras, etc.
 

Q: Would enhancements to address cybersecurity be allowable? 

A: No, unfortunately cyber security would be unallowable expense under this grant program, because funding is meant to enhance physical security.

Q: Are license plate reading cameras permissible?

A: No, police equipment is not an allowable expense.

Q: Just confirming that windows and window film are allowable even though they weren't listed on the slide
 

A: Yes, windows and window film are an allowable expense.

Q: Want to verify a phone system with an internal intercom system (including outdoor play area speakers) would be allowable?

A: Yes, a phone system with an internal intercom system is an allowable expense.

Q: Is perimeter fencing an allowable expense?
 

A: Yes, perimeter fencing and installation are an allowable expense.

Q: What is the difference between fiscal contract manager and grant point of contract? Is one generally higher level than the other?

A: The fiscal contact is generally who manages the budget and all fiscal related duties. The grant point of contact (POC), the contact we can reach out if we have any questions or concerns.

Q: Are there extra points awarded if you do have an UEI?

A: No, there are no extra points for having a UEI number, but OGR strongly encourages applicants to register for the UEI number.

Q: Where are the funds coming from: State or Federal. If Federal, is the approval of a grant, and/or disbursement of grant subject to compliance with presidential orders on DEI and/or immigration policies, or other presidential orders?

A: These are state funds and not federal funds. As such, they are not subject to DHS rules.

Q: If an entity has NOT had a hate crime or terrorist attack, are they wasting their time by applying?

A: Organizations who have experienced any prior incidents or hate crimes will receive priority. You should fill out the application to the best of your ability and try to strengthen your application in other areas. Such as a thorough description of the need for the equipment, project description and implementation plan sections. This will be a competitive process, but it will not eliminate your application just because your organization hasn't experienced any hate crime incidents.

Q: Is there any limitation to the length of our responses? Is there a number of word or character limitation? We have run into this in other grant application process.

A: Yes, on the application below the text box you will see a character count for each section it applies to.

Q: We didn't receive a grant last year, but we did the year prior to that. Should that be listed in the application?

A: Yes, you need to provide information on the grant awarded funds. On the application you will be asked if your organization has received state or federal nonprofit security grant funding previously. After selecting yes, you will need to further explain the details of the funding received. Such as the year the funds were awarded, the amount and a brief description of the award.

Q: We applied for a federal non-profit security grant in July 2026 and had been advised that those grants would be announced by OGR in October. Any sense as to when an announcement will be made?

A: FEMA has issued the SAA (Office of Grants & Research) the List of Awardees which is being reviewed prior to OGR’s acceptance of the FFY26NSGP Award. Currently, we are unable to make award announcements. We will apprise all awarded applicant organizations when we receive approval to release that information. All non-awarded applicants will be notified after the notice to awarded organizations/ is issued and awards have been accepted.

Q: Where else can we find the definition of hate crime as outlined in the application?

A: The definition of hate crime can be found in the application as well as the AGF located on page 3 with a link to the definition as defined by Massachusetts General Laws.

Q: Can service agreements for security systems/software be included?

A: Yes, service agreements for software agreements are covered as long as it is a requirement for the equipment that is being requested and within the performance period.

Q: How current does the external risk assessment need to be?

A: If you have a risk assessment from previous years you may use that for your application submission. If you have made any substantial changes from your previous risk assessment, then you need to provide an updated risk assessment.

Q: Beyond the risk assessment form, what other documents should we need to upload?

A: The Attachment A budget excel workbook is a required document. The Risk Assessment form is optional but is strongly encouraged by OGR.

Q: Can we use the funds for recently installed security systems or only for brand new ones?

A. No, you cannot be reimbursed for previously purchased equipment. The contract does not go into effect until all contracting forms have been sent in. The grant contract does not go into effect until the contract is signed by our executive director, and reimbursement can only be reimbursed for equipment after the contract is signed.

Q: These are state funds only?

A: Yes, these are state funds and not federal funds.

Q: Are we eligible if we still have some of the funds available to us from the last CNSGP grant that we were awarded?

A: Yes, your organization is still eligible to apply even though you still have remaining funds from the previous CNSGP awards.

Q: Are standard cameras an option? Can you please confirm what else would qualify?

A: Yes, security cameras are an allowable item. The grant is for physical security, an example would be doors, locks, barriers, panic buttons etc.

Q: I don't see the "risk assessment" or the budget Excel worksheet in the application? Are they separate documents?

A: Yes, the Risk Assessment form and Attachment A: budget workbook are separate forms and can be found on the CNSGP page of our website.

Q: Can we use personal email addresses, or do we need an official non-profit email id?

A: Yes, you may use a personal email address.

Q: Is the FEMA award we received need to be included?

A: Yes, any previous nonprofit grant awards whether state or federal need to be included. On the application you will be asked if you have received previous funding and you will need to explain the funding year, the amount, and the project.

Q: What's the purpose of a letter from the local police dept?

A: Letter of support from your local police department can be used to strengthen your application. However, letters of support from your local police department can be used to strengthen your application.

Q: Do we need to upload the quotes?

A: No, you do not need to upload a quote with your application.

Q: Does the risk assessment have to be on your form and format?

A: Yes, the Risk assessment should be done using OGR’s form and format. Which can be found on our website with the other resource materials for the application.

Q: Do we need to upload pictures of any damages to the building due to hate crimes?

A: Uploading pictures of any damage to the building due to hate crimes is not a requirement, but providing the photos could strengthen your application. You are welcome to add the photos under the additional materials section on the application.

Q: Is there a preference for a project that can be completed with the grant funding vs. partial funding for a project?

A: Organization are allowed to request partial funding for an allowable project. Organizations need to ensure that the project will be completed within the grant period performance.

Q: If the contract ends up being executed in March, for example, and we no longer have enough time to do the project which we anticipated starting in, say, February, what happens?

A: Organizations who have been awarded should do their best to spend all grant funds within the period of performance. If issues with your project implementation occur, then you need to reach out to your Program Coordinator as soon as possible.

Q: Is the language about preference for organizations who have not received funding in the past new?

A: No, first-time applicant priority has been given to applicants in the past.

Q: Are reinforced windows eligible?

A: Yes, reinforced windows are an eligible expense.

Q: If we have multiple locations under the same Tax Id and EIN do we need to submit multiple applications? That is how I am understanding it?

A: Yes, if an organization has multiple locations, then you would need to apply for each location separately.

Q: Are we eligible to apply to both this grant and the personnel grant in this submission window?

A: Yes, you can apply to both grants simultaneously.

Q: We operate a 10 building campus. Can we submit separate applications for separate buildings?

A: Yes, if your organization has multiple buildings, then you would need to apply for each location separately.

Q: How many vendor quotes do you have to have?

A: You do not need multiple vendor quotes, that decision is up to the organization. Please follow your organization’s procurement policy.

Q: Is security system limited to burglary/safety or is fire protection/alarm systems included?

A: Yes, security systems are limited to burglary/safety and not fire protection and alarm system.

Q: Can you describe the difference between this opportunity and the opportunity that will be addressed at the 1:00 p.m. webinar?

A: The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program is for grant funding to improve building safety and security for its members/visitors and staff. The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program is for grant funding to enhance building safety and security through hired personnel.

Q: Are the email addresses that are used for the application’s public records?

A: Personal identifying information – including direct contact information such as an email address – is exempt from disclosure under Massachusetts public records law and will not be released in response to a public records request. The law also exempts “records relating to the security or safety of persons or buildings, structures, facilities, utilities, transportation, cyber security or other infrastructure located within the commonwealth, the disclosure of which […] is likely to jeopardize public safety or cyber security.” Any information contained in a grant application that is exempt from disclosure will be redacted from any materials provided in response to a public records request. Please see MGL Chapter 4, Section 7 for additional information on exemptions to the state’s public records law.

Q: Is armory storage an allowable expense?

A: No, armory storage would be an unallowable expense.

Q: Is an intercom system ok to apply for?

A: Yes, an intercom system is an allowable expense.

Q: We have quotes for CCTV system that is inclusive of installation, but does not break out the labor cost by rate and hours. Do we need to go back and get that breakdown, or can we just include it in a total number.

A: Yes, the application needs to have a clear breakdown between installation and equipment costs.

Q: Are cyber security items allowable under this grant program?

A: No, this grant is for physical and not cyber security.