In October of 2020, The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) and several national faith groups submitted a letter to Congress requesting an increase in federal funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) from $90 millions to $360 million which would constitute a fourfold increase over the funding for the program in 2020 to help make their communities safer.
Read the letter: https://uscmo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NSGP-Funding-Letter.pdf
On December 21, 2020, the House Appropriations Committee approved an increase in federal funding and congress passed the omnibus spending bill but only approved $180 million to boost nonprofit security grants. This remains a significant increase compared to the year before.
Congress established the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in 2004 to better integrate nonprofit preparedness investments and activities within the broader national response to terrorism and violent extremism in the post-911 environment. This security grant provides houses of worship (mosques, synagogues, churches, temples) and nonprofit entities such as educational institutions and community facilities with funding to protect their properties against threats and attacks.
USCMO will alert and share with the community any updates on the upcoming NSGP funding opportunity for the fiscal year 2021 and will bring experts to provide helpful program and application guidance to those interested in applying.
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides federal funding for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at risk of a terrorist attack. Eligible investments include Physical Security Enhancement Equipment; Security Planning, Training and Exercises; and Contracted Security Personnel. Through two grant tracks (NSGP-Urban Area and NSGP-State), this funding opportunity is open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, nationally. It entails a competitive application and review process based on the availability of funding, assessment of risk, and the quality, efficiency, and efficacy of the grant proposals submitted.
The next funding opportunity will likely commence in late February. Now is the time to begin organizing if you plan to apply. To learn more about the NSGP Funding Opportunity check the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assessment Tool at:Â https://www.cisa.gov/houses-of-worship, and the Department of Homeland Security Faith-Based Resource page at:Â https://www.cisa.gov/faith-based-organizations-houses-worship.
If you are interested to be informed on upcoming workshops and seminars on the NSGP, please register here.
