The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it would distribute another $210 million in funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to protect faith-based and nonprofit organizations.
The money, part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), is the second batch of funding designed to protect faith-based and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. The funding will be made available in a Notice of Funding Opportunity published in late October, officials said. The additional funds are part of the $390 million included in the FY 2024 National Security Supplemental. The first tranche of funds was made available in June. In all, for FY 2024, more than $664 million has been allocated to the NSGP, more than double last year’s $305 million.
“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,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said. “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.”
The increase comes as hate crimes and other forms of targeted violence is on the rise, officials said. More than 3,200 faith-based and other nonprofit organizations have been awarded NSGP funding in 2024, and used to purchase security cameras, additional warning and alert systems, gates and lighting, access control systems, and staff training programs.