Ohio Announces $6M in Security Grants for Houses of Worship, Schools, and Nonprofits

The latest round of funding aims to enhance safety and security across the state.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:41am

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A serene, nostalgic painting of an government office building or statehouse in warm, muted tones, with dramatic shadows and a sense of solitude, conveying the importance of security initiatives for public institutions.The Ohio Statehouse stands as a symbol of the state's efforts to safeguard its citizens through security grant programs.Columbus Today

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) will begin accepting applications for the next round of the Ohio Security Grants program, with $6 million in total funding available. The grants are designed to help houses of worship, chartered non-public schools, licensed pre-schools, and nonprofit organizations enhance their safety and security measures against potential acts of terrorism.

Why it matters

This grant program is part of Governor DeWine's ongoing efforts to ensure all Ohioans feel safe in the places they gather, learn, and spend time. The funding will help organizations across the state take proactive steps to prevent, prepare for, and respond to potential threats.

The details

The grants will cover eligible security improvements, the acquisition of resource officers or licensed armed security guards, and the purchase of equipment for physical security, inspection, screening, emergency communication, and crisis response. Ohio EMA and Ohio Homeland Security will administer the program, which has distributed over $42 million in grants since its creation in 2019.

  • The application period opens today, April 6, 2026 and will close on May 15, 2026.

The players

Governor Mike DeWine

The current Governor of Ohio who created the Ohio Security Grants program in 2019.

Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA)

The state agency that will administer the latest round of Ohio Security Grants.

Ohio Homeland Security

The state agency that will support Ohio EMA in administering the Ohio Security Grants program.

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What they’re saying

“No matter where Ohioans worship, go to school, or spend their free time, they must feel safe and secure. This grant program helps to ensure those places are offering the best protection for our citizens.”

— Governor Mike DeWine

What’s next

The application period for the latest round of Ohio Security Grants will close on May 15, 2026. Ohio EMA and Ohio Homeland Security will review the applications and announce the grant recipients in the following months.

The takeaway

This latest round of Ohio Security Grants demonstrates the state's ongoing commitment to enhancing safety and security for houses of worship, schools, and nonprofit organizations. By providing this critical funding, Governor DeWine and state agencies aim to give these community institutions the resources they need to protect their members and visitors.