The Complete Guide to Security Risk Assessments for Non‑Profits

In June 2025, the Barshop Jewish Community Center in San Antonio received a credible mass shooting threat, prompting immediate lockdown and FBI intervention.

Between rising hate crimes and operational vulnerabilities, physical safety is now mission-critical. This guide explains why non‑profit security consulting and risk assessment services matter more than ever.

1. The Real Risks Facing Non‑Profits Today

Non‑profits face both physical and cybersecurity threats:

• Physical threats: vandalism, hate-based targeting, mass attack plots.

• Cyber risks: 71% experienced at least one breach in 2022.

• Financial threats: a data breach in one Connecticut non‑profit affected over 1 million records—exposing sensitive personal data and creating massive trust and legal risks.

Even organizations with basic protection systems often lack coordinated risk mitigation plans.

2. Why Non‑Profit Security Consulting Matters

Consulting tailored for the sector helps you:

• Navigate FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program to fund physical upgrades.

• Receive professional, objective audits, not just internal checklists

• Enhance—not overhaul—existing security systems with strategic, actionable recommendations

With expert guidance, you align security needs with mission goals without unnecessary cost or complexity.

3. What a Full Risk Assessment Covers

A. Physical Walkthrough

• Assess perimeter fencing, entry/exit points, lighting, landscaping

• Observe visitor flow and potential choke points

B. Threat Modeling & Vulnerability Scoring

• Identify likely scenarios (hate-motivated attacks, unauthorized entry)

• Evaluate each based on severity and probability

C. Emergency Readiness Review

• Test existing evacuation or lockdown protocols

• Conduct tabletop exercises involving staff and volunteers

D. Supplemental Threat Audits

• Recommend enhancements to current security: lighting, signage, access control

• Upgrade training for volunteers or staff

• Conduct digital exposure review if public addresses, schedules, or internal maps are shared online

Securound’s veteran-led team specializes in delivering these precise risk assessment services for non-profits and community centers, ensuring security aligns with values and openness.

4. Community Center Protection: Real World Example

The June 2025 threat to the San Antonio JCC underscores why community center protection must include professional assessments. Staff promptly coordinated with law enforcement and paused operations. The swift response prevented tragedy—and highlighted how readiness saves lives.

5. Steps to Start a Risk Assessment for Your Non‑Profit

1. Contact a trusted consultant like Securound for a scoping call

2. Schedule the on-site evaluation including walkthrough and interviews

3. Receive a written report covering priority vulnerabilities with a grading system

4. Develop an action plan aligned with goals and funding opportunities like FEMA’s NSGP

5. Implement improvements: upgrades, drills, training, partnerships

6. Review annually, or after incidents and staff turnover

This structured process ensures community safety stays proactive and current, not reactive.

6. Real-Time Data & Funding Insight

• The FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program remains well-funded—$454.5M available in FY2024.

• ADL logged over 9,000 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in 2024 alone.(turn0news24)

• Expert training from organizations like Secure Community Network helped save lives in the 2022 Colleyville synagogue hostage crisis.

These facts highlight why supplemental threat audits and readiness planning are no longer optional—they’re essential.

7. Balancing Safety with Community Values

Non‑profits must preserve openness while improving safety:

• Clearly communicate drill schedules and security protocols to your community

• Train volunteers in awareness and de-escalation—not fear-based tactics

• Keep visitor flow smooth and accessibility maintained

• Partner with local law enforcement—build trust rather than barriers

A thoughtful non‑profit security consulting approach integrates security into your mission—not against it.

On this note:

• Interested in how religious institutions prepare? Read our post on Synagogue Security Blind Spots

• Want faith-sensitive guidance for churches? See our article: Church Security That Doesn’t Intimidate

  
  

Conclusion: Protect Your Mission with Confidence

When non‑profits fail to assess risk thoroughly, lives and reputations are at stake. A professional risk assessment service, aligned with supplemental threat audits and community center protection, prepares organizations not just to survive—but to thrive safely.

With veteran-led expertise, strategic insights, and mission-aligned consulting, Securound Inc helps nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada build real, resilient security.

📞 Schedule your free consultation today and invest in peace of mind for your community.