The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today the distribution of $160 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds. This allocation represents the first tranche of additional funding secured by the Biden-Harris Administration to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. The announcement is accompanied by an amended Notice of Funding Opportunity, enabling qualifying institutions and organizations to apply for these additional NSGP funds.
The $160 million is part of the $390 million included in the fiscal year 2024 National Security Supplemental, a priority for the Administration as it addresses the increase in hate crimes and other forms of targeted violence against faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations. For fiscal year 2024, a total of $664 million has been secured for the NSGP, more than double last year's appropriation of $305 million. Earlier this year, DHS announced $274.5 million in available NGSP funds, with plans to make the remaining balance available later this year.
"We have seen a dramatic increase in hate crimes and other forms of violence targeted against faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. "The additional Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding that we are announcing today will provide these institutions and organizations with much-needed resources to strengthen their security and protect their communities from harm."
The rise in hate crimes has surged since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel. Given this changing threat environment, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program has become increasingly vital for faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations aiming to bolster their security measures. In 2023, over 2,200 such entities utilized more than $305 million in NSGP funding for security enhancements including cameras, evacuation plans, alert systems, gates and lighting, access control systems, and staff training programs.
Grant fund distribution is one component of DHS's broader strategy to safeguard communities from targeted violence. DHS maintains regular communication with over 2,000 state, local, tribal, territorial, campus law enforcement officials as well as national-level law enforcement associations' leadership. The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships provides security resources to over 65,000 faith partners nationwide.
Some key initiatives include:
- Launching the “Resources and Information for Faith and Community Leaders Regarding the Israel - Hamas Conflict” website in October.
- Distributing Protecting Places of Worship resource guides in partnership with the FBI.
- Providing Protective Security Advisors across all states.
- Releasing Physical Security Performance Goals.
- Convening the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council through initiatives co-led by DHS alongside other federal entities.
Funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program remains a priority under the Biden-Harris Administration. Historically high demand has often exceeded available funds; however, securing an additional $390 million will allow previously unfunded at-risk houses of worship and nonprofit organizations to implement new security measures.
For more information visit: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security
