Securing Sacred Spaces: How the 2025 NSGP Can Transform Church Safety and Security
- Ink & Insights
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
As of September 11, 2025, faith-based organizations across the U.S. have a limited but powerful opportunity to fortify their security through FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This year’s funding window shows an evolving map of open, closed, and limited-access states. Understanding where your state stands and how to act quickly can make the difference between your ministry being protected or left vulnerable.
🟩 States Currently Open for NSGP Applications
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Virginia
Wyoming
🟧 Open but NOI Deadline Passed
Washington – You cannot apply because a Notice of Intent (NOI) was required before app, and the deadline to submit the NOI has passed.
🟥 Closed States
Montana
New Hampshire
Texas
Utah
Tennessee
Alabama
Iowa
Important Note: Even if your state is currently closed, NSGP cycles tend to re-open annually. Most states will likely begin their 2026 cycle in Q1 of 2026. Now is the perfect time to gather documents, complete vulnerability assessments, and be ready to submit as soon as the window opens.
What Is the NSGP?
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a FEMA-funded initiative providing up to $200,000 per site (and up to $600,000 per organization) to help nonprofit and faith-based organizations bolster physical security and emergency preparedness. This is 100% federal funding.
What You Can Fund With NSGP:
Cameras, alarms, radios, and access controls
Reinforced windows, doors, and perimeter barriers
Panic buttons and emergency communication systems
Security planning, vulnerability assessments, and team training
Why Church Security Matters Now More Than Ever
Incidents of violence and vandalism against churches and other houses of worship have increased sharply in 2024 and 2025. Headlines tell the story:
Annunciation Catholic Church Shooting – Minneapolis, MN (August 27, 2025)
A mass shooting occurred during a school-wide Mass at the Church of the Annunciation, resulting in two children killed and 21 others injured. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died by suicide at the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime and act of domestic terrorism.
Threat at St. Michael’s Abbey – Orange County, CA (August 28, 2025)
Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, drove over 2,100 miles from Alabama to St. Michael’s Abbey in California, armed with a cache of weapons. He claimed to be "Michael the Angel of Death" and threatened to "do the Lord’s reaping." Richardson was arrested and faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
Capital Jewish Museum Shooting – Washington, D.C. (May 21, 2025)
Elias Rodriguez, 30, opened fire outside the Capital Jewish Museum during a reception, killing two Israeli embassy staff members. Rodriguez faces federal charges, including hate crimes and murder. The Justice Department is reviewing the case, with a decision on seeking the death penalty expected by December 5.
Shooting Near Spokane Church – Spokane, WA (February 14, 2025)
A shooting occurred near a church in the Hillyard neighborhood. One person was injured and transported to a local hospital. The incident is under investigation, and authorities are seeking information from the public.
Shooting Outside Church – Wayne, MI (June 2025)
An armed man approached a church with a long gun and handgun. Church employees intervened, preventing a potential mass casualty event. The suspect was fatally shot by church staff.
Shooting Inside Church – Houston, TX (February 11, 2024)
Genesse Ivonne Moreno opened fire inside Lakewood Church during a Spanish-language service, injuring two people before being fatally shot by church security.
Fatal Shooting at Christian School – Madison, WI (December 16, 2024)
A 15-year-old student opened fire inside Abundant Life Christian School, killing two people and injuring six others before taking her own life.
Mass Shooting at Christian School – Nashville, TN (March 27, 2023)
A mass shooting occurred at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville. The shooter, Audrey Hale, killed six people, including three children and three adults, before being fatally shot by police. Hale was a former student of the school.
These tragic incidents show that proactive safety measures are not optional — they’re essential.
Before & After NSGP: Fictitious Illustrations Based on Real-Life Results
Note: The following examples are fictional and designed to illustrate how the NSGP can transform church security. They’re inspired by Exousia’s real-life success stories and typical outcomes our clients experience.
Example 1: Small Rural Church
Before NSGP
Pastor Maria leads a growing congregation in a 1950s-era church with multiple unsecured entrances. The building has no security cameras, no reinforced glass, and no emergency action plan. Last month, a suspicious individual photographed the parking lot and doors during a weekday Bible study. The congregation feels uneasy but lacks the funds to upgrade security.
After NSGP
With Exousia’s help, Pastor Maria’s church applies for and receives $200,000 in NSGP funding. Within six months:
Doors and windows are reinforced.
A full camera system and panic buttons are installed.
Staff and volunteers complete emergency response training.
When a disruptive person tries to enter during Sunday worship, the usher team activates their protocol. The individual is intercepted without incident, and worship continues safely.
Example 2: Large Suburban Congregation
Before NSGP
Pastor David oversees a 1,200-member suburban church. The campus includes a sanctuary, classrooms, and a community hall. Despite its size, the church relies only on volunteer ushers and has outdated locks and lighting. After a string of car break-ins in the parking lot, members are nervous about attending evening services.
After NSGP
Exousia guides Pastor David’s team through vulnerability assessments and the full NSGP application process. The church is awarded $350,000 across two buildings. Funds are used to:
Install 30+ security cameras with remote monitoring.
Upgrade perimeter lighting and access control systems.
Train a dedicated security response team and develop an emergency operations plan.
Months later, when an attempted break-in occurs on a weeknight, the upgraded alarms and cameras alert local police immediately, stopping the crime in progress and restoring congregational confidence.
How Exousia Makes It Easy
For only $1,980, Exousia provides full NSGP support — start to finish. You don’t need a grant writer on staff; you need a ministry-minded team who knows how to get results.
We Specialize in Faith-Based Security Grants & Know How to:
Write your full grant application
Provide vulnerability assessment templates
Strengthen your mission statement for better scoring
Meet FEMA and state requirements for the NSGP
Support churches in all 50 states
We Help Ministries Access the Funding They Need to Protect the People They Serve.
What Your Church Can Achieve With NSGP Funding
Install cameras, alarms, and radios
Reinforce windows and doors
Add panic buttons and access controls
Develop emergency plans and team training
100% federally funded.
Churches Are Being Targeted. NSGP Helps You Prepare — Before It’s Too Late.
You don’t have to navigate the process alone. Let Exousia write your application, strengthen your case, and submit a winning proposal.
Get Started Today
Schedule a consultation here! (New clients receive a free 15-minute consultation!)
📞 Call/Text: 765-962-6581
Bottom Line
The NSGP is more than a grant — it’s peace of mind. Even if your state’s window is closed, Q1 of 2026 is right around the corner. By preparing now, your ministry can move from vulnerable to vigilant, safeguarding your mission and your people for generations to come.
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