FY 2026 Enhancing Security Measures for Houses of Worship
🏛 Bureau of Justice Assistance (USDOJ-OJP-BJA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 22, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for faith-based organizations and local government entities that want to enhance security at houses of worship. Faith-based nonprofits, religious organizations, and organizations with religious charters or missions may apply. Towns, boroughs, parishes, villages, and other general-purpose government subdivisions are also eligible. Funded projects will prevent and respond to bias-motivated crimes through partnerships with law enforcement and evidence-based security measures. The program operates nationally with no geographic restrictions.
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Program description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Enhancing Security Measures for Houses of Worship Program. This opportunity provides grants to enhance security and law enforcement capabilities at faith-based institutions and houses of worship to prevent and respond to bias-motivated crimes. Projects will strengthen partnerships between religious communities and local law enforcement, implement evidence-based security measures, and build institutional capacity to report incidents and assist in criminal investigations.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Private Foundation
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Church
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Faith-based Organization
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of Support from Law Enforcement Partners
- Organizational Background and Experience
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 16.047 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.047). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $7,789,928 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Faith-based organizations and local government entities. This includes religious nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and towns or boroughs.
What is the funding amount?
Awards are approximately $200,000. Contact BJA for exact funding details and availability.
What activities are supported?
Security enhancements, law enforcement partnerships, evidence-based security measures, and capacity to report incidents and assist investigations.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is September 2, 2026.
Can we reapply if denied?
Yes, reapplication is typically allowed. Check the full NOFO for specific reapplication guidance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Show clear partnerships between your faith organization and local law enforcement. Strong collaboration is key to competitiveness.
- Focus on evidence-based security solutions rather than untested approaches. Reviewers want proven methods.
- Document the specific bias-motivated crimes or threats your community faces. Tailor security plans to real local risks.
- Explain how your project builds long-term capacity, not just one-time fixes. Sustainability matters.
- Include letters of support from law enforcement partners and community leaders. External backing strengthens applications.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without a documented law enforcement partnership. Vague security plans that lack evidence-based justification. Failing to explain how the project addresses actual bias-motivated crime risks in your community.
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