The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded more than 1,600 nonprofit organizations $300 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds.
The program is a Department of Homeland Security’s preparedness grant designed to strengthen law enforcement agencies, first-responder organizations and community organizations’ ability to manage disasters and combat acts of terrorism. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides faith-based institutions and other nonprofits with funding that can be used for security enhancements such as access control systems, additional warning and alert systems, gates and lighting, security cameras, and staff training programs.
“Under Secretary (Markwayne) Mullin’s leadership, DHS is focused on protecting all Americans,” FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton said. “Through these grant awards, FEMA is supporting nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, schools and community centers, as they strengthen security and help protect their communities from acts of targeted violence. This funding delivers on President (Donald) Trump’s promise to stand with Americans of faith and safeguard communities across the country.”
FEMA issued funding to state administrative agencies that administer the funding to selected nonprofit organizations. The majority of the funding will be awarded to Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh affiliated institutions, but selected organizations also include camps, community centers, medical facilities, museums, senior centers, shelters and schools.