Ohio Security Grant

The State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG) program is administered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety in partnership with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. Authorized under House Bill 96 of the 136th Ohio General Assembly, the program provides competitive grant funding to enhance security measures for organizations that may be at risk of terrorism. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening the safety and resilience of community institutions by reducing vulnerabilities and improving preparedness against potential threats. The primary purpose of the program is to support security improvements that help eligible organizations prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism. Terrorism is broadly defined within the program as actions intended to intimidate or coerce organizations or influence their conduct or policies. Funding is directed toward projects that directly mitigate identified risks and vulnerabilities, with an emphasis on practical, site-specific enhancements that can demonstrably improve safety outcomes. Eligible uses of funding include a range of physical and operational security investments. These include access control systems such as reinforced doors and identification systems, surveillance technologies like cameras and alarms, perimeter protection measures such as fencing and bollards, and communication systems for emergency notification. Additional allowable expenses include contracted security personnel, security-related training, and infrastructure improvements such as lighting, reinforced windows, and line-of-sight barriers. All funded investments must be directly tied to vulnerabilities identified in a required vulnerability assessment and must be feasible and effective in reducing risk. The program does not allow funding for general operational expenses, ongoing maintenance costs, or unrelated capital improvements. Ineligible costs include administrative overhead, subscription services, weapons or firearms, and construction of panic rooms. Additionally, any costs incurred prior to award approval are not eligible for reimbursement. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, although a 10 percent advance disbursement is provided at the beginning of the performance period to support initial project implementation. Eligibility is limited to organizations located within the state of Ohio. Qualified applicants include nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, houses of worship that meet similar tax-exempt criteria, chartered nonpublic schools, and licensed preschools recognized by the Ohio Department of Education. Applicants must demonstrate that they are at risk of terrorism and must submit a vulnerability assessment conducted by a qualified individual with relevant experience in security, law enforcement, or military fields. The application process requires submission through an online portal, along with a completed vulnerability assessment and an investment justification outlining the proposed security improvements. Only one application per organization is permitted. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with program objectives, the quality of the vulnerability assessment, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed project. Applicants are required to submit materials by May 15, 2026, and awards are expected to be announced by June 30, 2026. The period of performance for funded projects spans from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, providing a 24-month window for completion. The program does not require any cost sharing or matching funds from applicants, which lowers barriers to participation for smaller or resource-constrained organizations. While the grant is administered annually subject to legislative appropriations, future cycles depend on continued funding authorization and availability.

Ensure the vulnerability assessment clearly identifies risks and directly aligns proposed investments to those risks to strengthen competitiveness.