Nonprofit Security Grant Program allocate funds for two faith-based security initiatives

U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) recently announced funding for their respective states to aid faith-based and other nonprofit organizations in securing their facilities against terrorist attacks and acts of hate.

Portman, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Peters, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, outlined the Depart of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding initiative.

Portman said the NSGP would distribute over $7 million to synagogues, churches, religious education facilities, and charity organizations across Ohio during FY 2022.

“With more than seven million in allocated funding for this year, it’s clear that Ohio is benefiting from the bipartisan work we’ve done in Congress to ensure that more synagogues, religious and cultural institutions, and nonprofit organizations have the resources and training they need to secure their facilities,” Portman said. “I’m proud to have led efforts to authorize the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and I am pleased to see the NSGP receive increased funding so that both Ohio and the nation can do all it can to protect at-risk faith- and community-based nonprofits from increasing threats.”

Peters noted that $8.4 million in grant funding will be awarded to nonprofits and faith-based organizations across Michigan to assist with protections from potential facility attacks.

“In the face of continued threats and acts of violence towards houses of worship in Michigan and across the country, these resources will help protect these sacred places and their communities,” Peters said. “I was proud to help secure additional funding for the program this year, which is now being distributed to help improve the security of Michigan’s synagogues, churches, mosques, and other important organizations who serve our communities.”