U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) is touting the $360 million reauthorization of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which bolsters religious institution security initiatives.
Peters supported a National Defense Authorization Act provision resulting in a significant increase over previously authorized funding levels. The aid would also benefit at-risk nonprofits in strengthening their security.
“Increasing attacks and threats against houses of worship in Michigan and across the country, spurred on by hate like white supremacy, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, emphasize the continued importance of this program that helps faith-based organizations strengthen their physical security,” said Peters, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “While this security funding is critical, I will also continue leading efforts to ensure the federal government is better prepared to protect our communities from violent attacks inspired by hate.”
In 2022, Michigan nonprofits and faith-based organizations received $8.4 million in grant funding through the NSGP. Peters said he would continue to support NSGP funding increases amid rising threats and attacks against religious institutions, including synagogues, churches, mosques, and gurdwaras, in communities nationwide.
Peters cited Anti-Defamation League and Center for Strategic and International Studies data determining the nation faces the highest level of extremist violence based on race and religion in decades.