How Nonprofits Can Use Federal Security Grants for Window Film

How Nonprofits Can Use Federal Security Grants for Window Film

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Rising Risks for Nonprofit Facilities

Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in supporting communities, but many are in older facilities—buildings designed before today’s threat landscape was a consideration.

Break-ins, vandalism, severe weather, and even blast threats have made physical security a growing concern. Affected institutions include places of worship, community centers, schools, and healthcare-related nonprofits.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) address these concerns through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

This funding initiative supports nonprofits in enhancing safety by covering costs associated with target hardening measures, including security window film.

Window Film Depot, a nationwide leader in safety and security glazing retrofits, helps nonprofits identify vulnerabilities, secure funding, and install compliant solutions. With the support of an NSGP award, nonprofits can strengthen their mission by ensuring safer, more resilient facilities.

Understanding the DHS/FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The NSGP exists to reduce the risks of terrorist attacks and other threats against nonprofit organizations. It provides funding for projects that strengthen facility security and improve preparedness.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Faith-based organizations, such as churches, synagogues, and mosques
  • Community and cultural centers serving local populations
  • Nonprofit schools and after-school programs
  • Healthcare-related nonprofits and social service providers

What Does It Cover?

The NSGP funds a wide range of physical security enhancements, including:

  • Access control systems
  • Security lighting
  • Cameras and alarms
  • Safety and security window film

Because the grant program has strict application timelines, organizations benefit from starting early. FEMA’s official NSGP website provides eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application details.

Why Window Film Qualifies as a Grant-Funded Security Upgrade

Security window film is a clear, high-performance material applied to existing glass to improve safety. It addresses several vulnerabilities while maintaining the appearance of nonprofit buildings.

How It Protects Facilities

Window film mitigates:

  • Forced Entry Attempts: Strengthens glass against smash-and-grab attacks, delaying intruders
  • Blast and Explosion Hazards: Holds shattered glass together, reducing the risk of injuries
  • Severe Weather Events: Protects occupants from flying glass and debris during storms

Because it functions continuously without requiring activation, window film is classified as a passive security measure. It is always “on” and always working. This aligns with the NSGP’s goal of funding target hardening projects that deter and delay threats.

Key Benefits of Security Window Film for Nonprofits

For nonprofit leaders, the advantages extend beyond compliance with grant requirements:

  • Intrusion Resistance: Delays unauthorized entry, giving staff and law enforcement time to respond
  • Blast Mitigation: Prevents shattered glass from becoming dangerous projectiles
  • Storm and Disaster Protection: Adds resilience during tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe storms
  • Preserves Building Appearance: Provides invisible protection, ideal for historic properties and welcoming community spaces
  • Energy and UV Savings: Certain films help reduce glare, lower cooling costs, and block harmful UV rays
  • Cost-Effective Retrofit: Applied over existing glass, avoiding expensive full window replacement

Securing Grant Support: How to Apply for NSGP Funding

Navigating the NSGP application requires preparation and attention to detail. Nonprofits can improve their chances of securing funding by following a structured process.

Step-by-Step Approach

  • Review Eligibility: Confirm that the organization qualifies under FEMA guidelines
  • Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify vulnerabilities and document potential threats
  • Target Window Film Solutions: Show how safety film mitigates identified risks
  • Gather Documentation: Collect quotes, product specifications, and supporting security details
  • Submit Application: File through the state’s designated administrative agency
  • Align with Scoring Criteria: Demonstrate how the proposal strengthens security, improves preparedness, and protects vulnerable populations

A key tip is to clearly reference “security window film” in the project description. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the case for funding.

Real-World Scenarios: How NSGP Funding Strengthens Nonprofits

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program has already played a vital role in protecting at-risk organizations across the United States. Documented cases and realistic scenarios demonstrate the program’s broad reach and lifesaving impact.

Jewish Federations and Synagogues: Scaling Security Nationwide

After the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack, Jewish institutions dramatically increased their focus on physical security.

Through the Secure Community Network (SCN), nonprofits accessed more than $100 million in NSGP funding to enhance security. This extended across synagogues, schools, and community centers.

By 2023, SCN-supported organizations had received over $27.4 million in federal grants that funded improvements such as security window film, reinforced entry points, and access control systems.

These measures created safer spaces while preserving the welcoming environment critical to community institutions.

Hostage Crisis Response: Training That Saved Lives

In 2022, a Texas synagogue faced a hostage crisis. Thanks to SCN-facilitated training, backed by NSGP support, congregants were prepared to act. The rabbi and members executed their training by distracting the attacker long enough to escape—an action widely credited with saving lives.

This event underscores how NSGP investments extend beyond physical upgrades to include preparedness and education.

Broader Religious and Cultural Institutions: $110 Million Awarded in 2025

In August 2025, FEMA announced that $110 million in NSGP funds had been awarded to a range of nonprofit organizations. Among these were Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jewish houses of worship.

Funded projects included security cameras, lighting systems, access controls, and alert systems—all aimed at strengthening community resilience against threats.

Potential Use Cases

Because many grantees remain undisclosed for safety reasons, it is useful to consider how nonprofits commonly benefit from NSGP funding:

  • Historic Church in a Small Town: Repeated vandalism incidents led the congregation to apply for NSGP support. With the grant, they installed security window film and reinforced doors, deterring intruders while maintaining the building’s historic appearance.
  • Urban Community Center: Located in a high-crime area, this nonprofit received funding to retrofit large glass windows with safety film. During a nearby protest, the windows held firm despite attempts at forced entry, protecting occupants and preventing costly repairs.
  • Charter School in Tornado Alley: A nonprofit school applied safety window film in classrooms and common spaces using NSGP funds. When a severe storm struck, shattered glass stayed intact, minimizing injuries and avoiding major cleanup costs.

Common Questions About Grants and Window Film

Is all security film the same?
No. Films vary in thickness, composition, and performance. FEMA requires products that meet established safety standards.

How long does installation take?
Most installations can be completed in days, minimizing disruptions to nonprofit operations.

Can NSGP funds cover labor?
Yes. The program allows costs for both materials and professional installation.

Does film affect visibility?
No. High-quality films are optically clear and maintain normal visibility inside and out.

How long does the film last?
With proper installation, window film can last more than a decade while providing consistent protection.

How Window Film Depot Supports Nonprofits Through the Grant Process

Window Film Depot offers nonprofits more than just installation. Its services include:

  • Expertise in aligning products with NSGP compliance requirements
  • Facility assessments and grant-ready documentation
  • Turnkey solutions: product selection, installation, and paperwork support
  • Nationwide service network with experience supporting nonprofit missions
  • A track record of NSGP-related projects across diverse organizations

By combining technical expertise with hands-on guidance, Window Film Depot ensures nonprofits can access funding and implement security upgrades with confidence.

Secure Your Mission Today

Nonprofits cannot afford to wait when it comes to safety. With limited application windows, leaders should evaluate eligibility and begin preparing their NSGP submissions immediately.

Window Film Depot is ready to assist with every step—from documentation to installation. Learn more about grant opportunities for nonprofits and schedule a consultation to secure your facility.