FY27 Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program - Questions & Answers

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

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: Yes, on the application form you would be prompted to give a description of how the previous funds benefitted your organization.

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

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

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 performance period begin and end?

A: The CNSPGP is anticipated January 2027 – September 30th, 2027. However, the performance period does not begin until your contract is sign by Executive Director Kevin Stanton.

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

A: The period of performance begins when the Executive Director signs the contract. No activity can begin before the contract is executed.
 

Q: Can we pay a current security guard’s hourly pay or increase their hours using the grant?
 

A: Yes, you would be able to pay your current security guard with the funds from CNSPGP but only within the grant performance period.
 

Q: For the personnel program do we need to submit the Subrecipient Risk Assessment Form?
 

A: The Subrecipient Risk Assessment form is not a requirement for this grant program application. The online application, OGR Budget Excel Workbook and the letter of support from local police chief are the required documents for applying. If an organization is awarded funds, a Subrecipient Risk Assessment form will be required at the time an award is made.
 

Q: I am wondering whether the hourly cap for contracted security personnel of $81.25 is applicable to overtime as well?
 

A: The hourly cap is $81.25, including overtime. You cannot go over this rate.

Q: Are the source of the funds for personnel grants state funds as are the equipment grants? Therefore, federal requirements are irrelevant?

A: Yes, these are state funds and not federal funds, thus they are not subject to DHS rules.
 

Q: Can you apply for the equipment grant and the security guard grant?
 

A: Yes, you can apply both grants simultaneously.
 

Q: If you are currently in a federal grant that pays 100% of your contracted security invoices and you get the State CNSPGP, can you use the federal grant funds to pay the 50% matching in the State grant?
 

A: No, that is supplanting.
 

Q: Can we apply for this round of funding if we received funding for the most recent round?
 

A: Yes, even though you were previously awarded funding in the past it will not impact your eligibility for FY27 CNSPGP.
 

Q: We cannot use any of the grant funds for training, like Alice training for staff?
 

A: Correct, training an unallowable cost and is not permitted.

Q: If you cannot use this for security staff salaries, what can it be used for? Only contracted security hours?
 

A: Correct, only contracted security.
 

Q: Is this grant allowable for seasonal security?
 

A: Yes, but it cannot be used for a one-time event, where you do not own the facilities and only rent them. An example of this is parades or festivals.
 

Q: May we apply for the CNSPGP if the project commenced before grant application or award?
 

A: No
 

Q: Are the character limits for each field in the application stated clearly in the online form?
 

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

Q: Is there first-time priority for this grant?
 

A: No, there is no first-time applicant priority for the CNSPGP.
 

Q: Do all expenses for contracted security need to be completed by September 2027?
 

A: Yes, all grant funds must be utilized within the performance period.
 

Q: The period of performance starts when the contracts are signed. Will that be in January or February?
 

A: Anticipated award and performance period is for January. However anticipated award and performance period are subject to change based off the length of the review process, grant award approval, and contracting.
 

Q: In organizations with temporary outdoor events such as parades and festivals, would they qualify for these grants for hiring security?

A: No