Massachusetts — FY2027 Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Equipment Grants (Up to $75,000; November 20)

FY2027 Massachusetts competitive security-equipment grants of up to $75,000 per nonprofit location for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations at demonstrated risk of hate crimes or terrorism. Applications due November 20, 2026, at 4 p.m.; official guidance does not expressly specify a time zone. No universal matching percentage stated.

FundingMaximum $75,000 per applicant site/location. Massachusetts announces a separate $4,465,000 statewide program pool, which is not an individual award.

DeadlineNovember 20, 2026, no later than 4 p.m.; official state program and AGF do not expressly specify a time zone. Applicant technical webinar October 27, 2026 11 a.m.; award notification expected January 2027; expenditure/installations by August 31, 2027.

Last verified2026-10-27

Required next actionRead https://www.mass.gov/info-details/commonwealth-nonprofit-security-grant-program and original 2027 AGF at https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy27-commonwealth-nonprofit-security-grant-program-agf/download; independently obtain the original document and any FAQ before final submission, as the government PDF blocked the research browser. Determine 501(c)(3) eligibility/site risk and document threats, obtain risk assessment where available, prepare one proposal per location, two-page needs and project descriptions, one-page timeline, installation/contractor cost estimates and budget Excel workbook, and submit through state Cognito link by November 20, 2026, 4 p.m. Official guidance does not expressly state time zone.

Broad Eligibility

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including qualifying faith-based, educational, medical/health and human service institutions, demonstrating significant risk of hate crimes or terrorism. One application per applicant nonprofit site; location-specific applications for additional sites. Priority for high-risk and first-time recipients. Funding cannot be used for staff salaries, unrelated training, vehicles, major construction or weapons.

Atlas Analysis

Open applicant-facing nonprofit security grant: Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Office of Grants and Research (OGR), offers up to $75,000 per nonprofit location in the State Fiscal Year 2027 Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CNSGP). The statewide program has approximately $4,465,000 in total funding; that amount is not an individual grant. This is a competitive financial-assistance opportunity for nonprofit-owned or leased security improvements, not a government vendor solicitation.

Eligibility and priority: Qualifying Massachusetts-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits at credible high risk of terrorism or hate crimes may apply, including religious institutions, schools, medical/healthcare facilities and human service nonprofits. Certain automatically tax-exempt religious organizations have special documentation treatment under federal law. Applicants must document specific organizational risks, threats or incidents and practical security needs. Priority is given to convincing risk evidence, cost-effective solutions and applicants without previous state or related federal nonprofit security awards. The funder accepts one application per nonprofit site; distinct locations require separate applications.

Allowable and excluded costs: Grants may support physical security equipment and installation, including doors and locks, surveillance cameras, alarms, internal public-address systems, access controls, lighting, fencing or screening equipment and eligible first-aid equipment. Associated professional installation and equipment-specific training may qualify. Unallowable: ordinary staff salaries and benefits, grant writers, unrelated exercises, major construction, office furniture, vehicles and law-enforcement weapons or equipment. The funder does not set out a universal cash-match requirement in this FY2027 equipment grant notice. Costs must supplement existing resources and comply with state procurement and reporting rules. All goods must be procured, received and installed by August 31, 2027.

Application deadline and documents: File the application electronically via the state-linked Cognito form by November 20, 2026, no later than 4:00 p.m. The application notice does not explicitly give a time zone. Prepare applicant and site data, a two-page risk and needs assessment, two-page project description, one-page implementation timetable, detailed itemized cost budget with vendor estimates, and the required Excel budget workbook (both sheets). Emailed applications are not accepted. The optional application assistance webinar is October 27, 2026 at 11 a.m.; anticipated awards January 2027.

Official controlling material: Massachusetts FY27 CNSGP program and application and FY27 official Availability of Grant Funds. The program page and text of the October 16, 2026 official AGF were cross-reviewed on October 27, 2026; the direct government-hosted PDF was inaccessible to the research browser, so applicants should retrieve the current PDF and any amendments from Massachusetts before applying.