The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the allocation of $210 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This funding represents the second tranche of additional funds secured by the Biden-Harris Administration to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations from targeted attacks. The Notice of Funding Opportunity will be published later in October.
The $210 million is part of a larger $390 million included in the fiscal year 2024 National Security Supplemental. This supplemental funding is aimed at combating the increase in hate crimes and other forms of targeted violence against faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations. The first tranche was made available in June 2024, with a total of $664 million secured for NSGP for fiscal year 2024, more than double last year's appropriation.
“Now, when we continue to live in a heightened threat environment, the security-enhancing grant funds we provide to non-profit organizations are more critical than ever,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The additional Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds we are announcing today will enable non-profit institutions, including faith-based organizations that are increasingly targeted, to equip themselves with the personnel, technology, and other resources needed to enhance their security and continue to safely contribute to their communities. We urge eligible institutions to apply for these potentially life-saving funds. We are grateful to Congress for making them available.”
The rise in hate crimes and other forms of targeted violence has increased sharply since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel. Given this changing threat environment, the NSGP has become an essential resource for faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations looking to bolster their security measures. In 2024 alone, over 3,200 such organizations were awarded over $454 million in NSGP funding for various security enhancements.
DHS’s strategy includes regular communication with over 2,000 state, local, tribal, territorial and campus law enforcement officials as well as national-level law enforcement associations' leadership. The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships distributes safety resources to over 70,000 faith partners.
Some specific DHS initiatives include:
- Releasing a webpage titled “Resources and Information for Faith and Community Leaders Regarding the Israel - Hamas Conflict” which is updated with relevant threat assessments.
- Distributing Protecting Places of Worship online resources in partnership with the FBI.
- Providing Protective Security Advisors across states.
- Issuing Physical Security Performance Goals tailored for houses of worship.
- Tasking the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council with improving DHS grants and resources.
- Hosting virtual workshops during Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action.
Funding through NSGP remains a priority under the Biden-Harris Administration due to historically high demand exceeding available funds. The recent success in securing supplemental funding aims to support previously unfunded yet at-risk religious schools and nonprofit organizations across the country.
For more information on applying for these grants once they become available later this month, visit FEMA.gov/Grants.
