Safer Spaces, Stronger Communities: Funding CPTED with Government Grants
On September 17, 2026, the US CPTED Association welcomed Elisa Mula for our September webinar, “Safer Spaces, Stronger Communities: Funding Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) with Government Grants.”
The webinar explored an important challenge faced by many organizations: once security needs have been identified, how do you find the funding to actually make those improvements happen?
Elisa shared her experience working with schools, houses of worship, nonprofits, medical facilities, libraries, law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and other organizations seeking funding for security improvements. Throughout the presentation, she discussed available grant opportunities, the application process, and how organizations can better position security projects for funding.
Turning Security Needs into Funded Projects
Elisa began by walking attendees through the grant process, including programs such as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) and COPS funding.
She discussed some of the steps involved in developing a strong grant application, from determining eligibility and aligning a security assessment with grant requirements to developing a funding strategy, preparing budgets, and submitting the final application.
Elisa also touched on what happens after funding is awarded. Grant management can include coordinating vendors and quotes, keeping projects aligned with approved budgets, submitting reimbursements, maintaining documentation, and meeting grant requirements.
For CPTED practitioners, this was an especially useful connection. A CPTED or security assessment can identify where improvements are needed, while the right funding strategy can help organizations take the next step toward putting those recommendations into action.
Understanding What Grant Funding Can Cover
Following her presentation, Elisa walked attendees through several additional resources, including an Authorized Equipment List for the FY2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
The document provides a detailed look at equipment and services that may be eligible for NSGP funding. Many of the examples connect directly with CPTED and physical security, including improved lighting, access control systems, security cameras, alarms, impact resistant doors and gates, and physical barriers such as fencing.
Elisa’s walkthrough gave attendees a practical look at how recommendations identified through an assessment can connect with specific grant eligible improvements.
Collaborative Community Security
Elisa also introduced EMD’s Collaborative Community Security Initiative, which is designed to connect security resources already in place at schools and houses of worship with law enforcement during critical incidents.
The initiative brings together resources such as cameras, access control, and emergency communications while allowing participating organizations to maintain ownership of their systems and data. It also emphasizes voluntary participation, defined access, accountability, and transparency.
This part of the webinar highlighted the importance of collaboration and showed how security planning, technology, funding, and partnerships can work together to help create safer and more prepared communities.
A special thank you to Elisa Mula for joining us and sharing her knowledge and resources with the US CPTED Association community! If you have questions, would like to learn more about available grant funding opportunities, or would like to schedule a call with Elisa, you can connect with her directly here.
If you are a member and would like to watch the full webinar recording, please visit our Member Webinars page. If you are not yet a member but would like to join and access exclusive content like this, visit our Membership page for more information.
