Governor DeWine Announces Funding Opportunity for Next Round of Ohio Security Grants

Article Presented By Ross Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau…

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) will begin accepting applications for the next round of the Ohio Security Grants today, April 6, and will close on May 15, 2026.

A total of $6 million will be available this round to enhance safety and security for houses of worship, chartered non-public schools, licensed pre-schools, and nonprofit organizations. The grants will be administered by Ohio EMA, with the support of Ohio Homeland Security, both divisions of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Since Governor DeWine created this program in 2019, over $42 million in grant funding has been distributed to applicants across Ohio to enhance the safety of their organizations.

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

The grants are being offered as part of the operating budget. The funds will help cover eligible security improvements that assist organizations in preventing, preparing for, or responding to acts of terrorism; to acquire or retain the services of a resource officer; special duty police officer or licensed armed security guards; or for the purchase of qualified equipment, including equipment for physical security enhancement, inspection and screening, emergency and crisis communication management and response to assist in preventing, preparing for, or responding to acts of terrorism.

For more information, visit State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG).