For Organizations Prioritizing Workplace Safety Initiatives

Across the country, hospitals and healthcare facilities are navigating a troubling reality: violence in healthcare is rising, and emergency preparedness is more critical than ever. As leaders strive to improve staff safety, build emergency response capacity, and invest in new technologies, one recurring barrier stands in the way: funding.

Fortunately, there are multiple federal grant programs helping healthcare organizations fund workplace violence prevention, emergency response upgrades, and physical security enhancements. These grants can support investments in real-time communication tools, wearable duress buttons, infrastructure improvements, and staff training.

This page outlines five funding opportunities healthcare organizations can pursue to support a safer environment for their teams and patients.

The Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP)

The Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) is the only federal funding source dedicated specifically to healthcare system readiness. It is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

Through partnerships with regional healthcare coalitions and state health departments, HPP helps hospitals prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding may be used to:

• • Improve safety infrastructure
  • Enhance communication systems
  • Conduct staff training
  • Strengthen coordination among hospitals, EMS, and public health agencies

Organizations can collaborate with their state or regional healthcare coalition to access HPP resources and ensure their facility is positioned for emergency response success.

FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

For nonprofit hospitals, clinics, and faith-based healthcare providers, the FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) offers funding to reduce the risk of terrorist or hate-based attacks.NSGP funds can be used to implement physical security measures such as:

• Access control systems
• Video surveillance
• Panic alert technologies
• Staff safety training and emergency drills

Applications are submitted through the applicant’s State Administrative Agency (SAA), and facilities must demonstrate a heightened risk and a clear need for security enhancements.

FEMA Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program

The Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program, also administered by FEMA, focuses on building local community capabilities to prevent acts of targeted violence or terrorism.

Eligible applicants include healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and public entities working to promote public safety and behavioral threat prevention. Healthcare organizations can leverage TVTP funds to:

• Implement emergency response and preparedness technology
• Launch behavioral threat assessment programs
• Strengthen workplace violence prevention efforts

Solutions like wearable duress buttons and panic buttons can be included in TVTP-supported initiatives.

USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program

For rural hospitals, clinics, and assisted living centers, the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program provides critical funding for infrastructure and technology upgrades.

This program supports essential services in towns with populations under 20,000 and is available to nonprofit organizations, public entities, and federally recognized Tribes. Funding may be used to:

• Purchase, construct, and/or improve essential community facilities
• Purchase safety technology and equipment
• Pay related project expenses

Healthcare leaders in rural areas can use these resources to modernize their safety efforts without overextending their operational budgets.

FEMA Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)

The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) supports regional preparedness and critical infrastructure protection. While HSGP is typically associated with emergency management and public safety agencies, healthcare organizations participating in emergency response coalitions may be eligible through partnerships with local agencies.

HSGP funds can help with:

• Interoperable communication equipment
• Incident response tools
• Facility security upgrades

Applications are submitted through the State Administrative Agency. Facilities should coordinate with local emergency management offices to explore eligibility and align project proposals with community preparedness plans.

Appropriations Requests (Community Project Funding)

Nonprofit and public healthcare organizations can request direct federal funding for safety and security initiatives – such as emergency alert systems – through their U.S. Senators or Representatives. These requests are not competitive grants but earmarked funds added to the federal budget to address local priorities. Requests are typically submitted in early spring, so early planning and outreach to congressional offices is essential. Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives to learn their specific submission process.

Getting Started: Maximize Your Grant Readiness

Applying for federal funding takes coordination, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help your healthcare organization prepare:

5. Stay Informed: Sign up for alerts from FEMA, ASPR, and USDA, and work with your State Administrative Agency to stay on top of deadlines.

Safety Is an Investment in Care

Every healthcare organization shares a common mission: to care for others. However, that mission is at risk if the people delivering care don’t feel safe. When you need to protect staff from workplace violence, EVERY. SECOND. MATTERS.®

See how CENTEGIX can help you impact safety here.

Note: Always verify current grant eligibility, application processes, and deadlines through the official program websites or your State Administrative Agency.