Amid a rise in hate crimes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering $210 million more in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grants are dedicated to helping protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks.
According to the newly published Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the application deadline for qualifying groups is Jan. 24, 2025. This second tranche of funds is part of the $390 million included in the fiscal year 2024 National Security Supplemental. The first tranche was made available in June.
“Now, when we continue to live in a heightened threat environment, the security-enhancing grant funds we provide to nonprofit organizations are more critical than ever,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
“The additional Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds we are announcing today will enable nonprofit 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,” Mayorkas continued. “We urge eligible institutions to apply for these potentially life-saving funds.”
According to the DHS, the rise in hate crimes and other forms of targeted violence has increased sharply since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Israel. In light of the changing threat environment, the NSGP has become an even more important resource to faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations to strengthen their security posture. In 2024, over 3,200 groups were awarded over $454 million in NSGP funding to purchase security cameras, additional warning and alert systems, gates and lighting, access control systems, and training programs for staff.
The distribution of grant funds is one element of the DHS’s multi-pronged strategy to protect communities and their institutions from targeted violence. The agency regularly communicates with over 2,000 state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus law enforcement officials and with the leadership of all national-level law enforcement associations. The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships also distributes security resources to over 70,000 faith partners to share resources to enhance safety in local communities, including faith-based communities.
For more information on the new NSGP grants, click here.