Department of Homeland Security Grants for Churches

How to apply for the Department of Homeland Security Grants for Churches – Securing your church can be an expensive affair. From installing fire-expression systems to cameras, having a strong security system requires a significant investment. But do you know that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides security grants for churches that can extend up to $150,000 to ensure the physical security of the facilities? Yes, you heard that right! This is possible through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program for churches and nonprofits.

A report published by the National Counterterrorism Center’s Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team (JCAT) revealed that the houses of worship are soft targets for terrorism. The Biden Administration has designed the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council in July 2022 to address attacks and violent threats on houses of worship. This council is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS provides security grants for churches through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to enhance their safety if they are at-risk of terrorist attacks. This guide will uncover all the details on how to qualify for the Department of Homeland Security Grants for Churches.

Is Federal Funding Available For Security In Places Of Worship?

Yes, federal funding for security is available in places of worship like churches. The government grant for church is awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Churches and houses of worship often face threats from interpersonal violence to terrorist attacks. Therefore, it is significant for the faith leaders to find suitable ways to prepare for urgent situations in advance and address the areas that make them soft targets. One of the effective preparedness plans requires designing effective and fast response plans and improving communication systems before, during, and after crisis situations.

Under Homeland Security Grants, eligible organizations including churches receive federal funding to address the potential security threats. The FY 2024 Homeland Security Grant funds topped up in 2024 with nearly $450 million in grant money available till date.

Government Clearinghouses And Tools For Houses Of Worship

The Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency states that ‘soft targets’ are locations that are easily accessible to a huge number of people and have limited protective or security measures in place that make them vulnerable to attack. Houses of worship like churches and congregations are categorized as soft targets.

Fortunately, there are government agencies that have resource pages for houses of worship to understand, apply, and implement plans to improve emergency management and security protocols. These resources are as follows:

• The Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has dedicated resources and tools for houses of worship for supporting the efforts to maintain security and safety. The resources will perform threat assessment and decide how to improve and implement security measures.
• The FBI’s Community Outreach Division provides comprehensive documents on programming as well as partnership opportunities.
• The Department of Justice’s Communication Relations Service website has plenty of information and resources for churches and other houses of worship to implement educational training and security protocols.
• The U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosts stunts of resources through its Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
• Local and state law enforcement agencies provide tons of resources for faith-based organizations, churches, and houses of worship.

The aforementioned resources have served communities in implementing security equipment, training, and programs. However, one of the most frequent questions among churches and houses of worship is how to fund them. Fortunately, there are many grant programs available to organizations who are looking for financial resources to make their space safer and better prepared for crisis situations. Besides you can also apply for many other community grants for churches to fund your mission and goals.

Federal Security Grants for Churches/ Houses of Worship

Grants and assistance programs are available at the federal and state level that help faith-based organizations, churches, and houses of worship to get adequate funds and prepare for and respond to threats, terrorism, and acts of violence. Each of the programs has its own eligibility criteria and application process to fulfill.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Nonprofit Security Grant Program

One of the notable programs that churches, houses of worship, and faith-based organizations apply for on the federal level to obtain funds for security technology as well as equipment improvement is the FEMA-sponsored Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

The funding for this Homeland Security grant program in 2024 was $274.5 million. Individual states are responsible for accepting applications and allocating funds to nonprofit security grant program recipients.

• Funding Purpose: The grants are used for making security improvements like physical security enhancement, cyber security measures, and security training.
• Grant amount: $50,000 to $150,000
• Funding Agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Key Audience: Churches, education, and faith-based organizations.
• How to Contact: Visit the FEMA or DHS website to get relevant information on funding opportunities and guidelines.

Curious to know how to qualify for various energy efficiency grants for churches? Read our next guide to know more about them.

State-Specific Nonprofit Security Grant Programs for Churches/ Houses of Worship

Following is the list of grant programs that individual states in America fund with the state budget dollars, and are separate and in addition to the federally funded Nonprofit Security Program in 2024.

California

• Name of the Program: California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP)
• How to Apply: Visit the CA Grants Portal web page to get relevant information.
• Deadline: The application for the fiscal year 2024 is not open yet. You must check the official website to get relevant information.
• Contact: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/InternalAuditOfficeSite/Pages/Feedback.aspx

Connecticut

• Name of the Program: Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CT NSGP)
• How to Apply: Visit the CT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security website to get current information.
• Deadline: The applications for fiscal year 2024 have been closed. You must check the program website to get up-to-date information.
• Contact: email [email protected].

Florida

• Name of the Program: State Nonprofit Security Grant Program
• How to Apply: Must visit the FL Division of the Emergency Management website to get relevant and up-to-date information.
• Deadline: The application for fiscal 2024 is not open yet. You must check the official website to get relevant information.
• Contact: 850-815-4000.

Massachusetts

• Name of the Program: Massachusetts Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
• How to Apply: Visit MA’s Program Webpage to get relevant information.
• Deadline: The program is currently not accepting applications, but it may do so in the future, so check the availability in its official website.
• Contact: Email to [email protected]

Tennessee

• Name of the Program: Houses of Worship State Security Grant Program
• How to Apply: Must visit the official website of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
• How to Apply: The application for fiscal 2024 is available on the official website.
• Contact: (866) 903-7357.

New Jersey

• Name of the Program: New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program NJ NSGP
• How to Apply: Must visit the NJ NSGP website to get relevant information.
• Deadline: The application for fiscal 2024 is not open yet. You must check the official website to get relevant information.
• Contact: 609-584-4000.

Ohio

• Name of the Program: State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG)
• How To Apply: Must visit the OH Emergency Management Agency website to get current information.
• Deadline: The application for fiscal 2024 is not open yet. You must check the official website to get relevant information.
• Contact: email [email protected].

Pennsylvania

• Name of the Program. Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program (PCCD)
• How To Apply: Must visit the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency website to get current information.
• Deadline: The application for the fiscal year 2024 is not open yet. You must check the official website to get relevant information.
• Contact: email at [email protected].

Washington

• Name of the Program: Religious and Nonprofit Grant Programs
• How to Apply: Must visit the WA Department of Commerce website to get current and up-to-date information.
• Deadline: The application for fiscal 2024 is closed, and you must check the website to get current information.
• Contact: (360) 584-3437.

Similarly, can you also apply for the Department Of Homeland Security Grants for Churches and secure your place.

How Does the Federal NSGP Grant Help To Protect Churches?

The FY 2024 Homeland Security Grant Program is one of the three grant programs that is designed to support the FEMA or DHS focus on enhancing the capability of local, state, tribal, and actual government, including nonprofit organizations and churches, to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to terrorist or other extremist activities. The Department of Homeland Security, through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program NSP, offers funding for physical security enhancements.

Churches and faith-based organizations can apply for the grants for improving security measures against potential threats. The program is designed to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader local and state preparedness efforts. It is also designed for promoting collaboration, coordination and emergency preparedness activities among private and public community representatives, including local and state government agencies.

Is Your Church Eligible For Security Enhancement Grant From FEMA?

Eligible churches and nonprofit organizations can apply for the FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program on meeting certain eligibility criteria and get assistance up to $150,000 to target hardening against terrorist or extremist attacks. For detailed guidelines on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, you must contact your local or state agency. In the below section of the guide, we have covered a list of information and instructions that churches, houses of worship, and nonprofit organizations need to fulfill to get assistance from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

• Must be registered as 501(c)(3) organizations under IRS guidelines.
• Must demonstrate being at-risk of terrorist attacks or targeted violence.
• The maximum grant amount given to an individual application is $150,000. Churches can apply for funding for 1 to 3 sites for a total maximum funding of $450,000 for three sites.
• Must request funding for specific security improvements such as training, physical security measures, and cybersecurity.
• Every job site applying for the grant has to conduct a security vulnerability risk assessment and apply for allowable expenses that the assessment reveals are needed.
• Applicants must submit applications within the deadline.

Are you looking for Church grants for youth? Then take a look at our next guide and know how to apply for them.

What Are The Allowable Expenses For Department Of Homeland Security Grants For Churches?

NSGP is a reimbursement grant. In other words, churches need to spend first and submit invoices for reimbursement. Generally, the grant performance period is up to three years, so large projects can be broken into manageable phases that lower the out-of-pocket expenses to smaller parts that can be reimbursed before the funds are utilized. The allowable expenses include the following:

• Upgraded interior and exterior door locks
• PA emergency alert system
• Security cameras
• Generators
• Blast-proof doors and windows
• Fences and gates
• Security training and personnel
• Other similar training, equipment, and technology-related items.

The grant is quite competitive, and just applying for the program does not guarantee success. In 2023 nearly half of the applications received were approved for funding. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Houses of Worship Security Self-assessment tool is available online and is a valid option that has been used with success for the NSGP.

Documents to Prepare While Submitting Your Homeland Security Grants For Churches

Applicants need to submit relevant documents to demonstrate their eligibility for the FEMA Security Grant, including proof of their 501(c)(3) status, a proposed budget for security improvements, and a description of the security needs.

• Must have IRS 501(c)(3) letter of tax exemption determination.
• Most recent Form 919 financial statement
• List of names who serve on the board of directors or board of trustees along with their contact information
• Annual report and operating budget
• List of personal, work duties, staff positions for a number of hours worked, qualifications, and other programs
• List of donors supporting the church or house of worship along with their name, donation amount, date, and address
• Letters of support from community leaders and politicians
• A documented plan that identifies and addresses security risks at the house of worship and shows how they implement the plan to harden the security.

As the funds for FEMA Security Grant are limited, houses of worship are encouraged to submit grant applications as quickly as possible. The grants are available for those who demonstrate their organization is at high risk for a terrorist attack.

FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program 2024: How To Apply?

There are multiple funding sources available through federal and state agencies, depending on where you are located in the USA. The best bet to look for security grants for synagogues and churches is to search online in your state and see what opportunities are presently available.

Irrespective of your location, churches and faith-based organizations nationwide can apply for the federal grant program Nonprofit Security Grant Program that is managed and operated by FEMA. The program helps to offset the cost of ensuring the church’s increased security needs. It is important to note that the application process for the program is quite extensive, and you need to conduct a thorough security assessment of your church or facility and indicate potential threats.

1. Contact Your State Administrative Agency (SAA)

To apply for the Department of Homeland Security grants for churches, you need to serve as the primary applicant. By establishing contact with the State Administrative Agency you can learn about the Nonprofit Security Grant Program 2024 deadline and other application requirements.

SAA is the only eligible entity to submit Homeland Security grant program applications to FEMA or DHS, including those applications submitted on behalf of security initiatives and operations to guard applicants. You can contact your SSA or FEMA centralized scheduling and information-based by dialing 800-638-6498. You can check the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on grants.gov to learn the eligibility criteria in detail.

2. Get a UEI Number 

You need to determine whether your organization was assigned a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number while applying for federal assistance. If your organization was earlier assigned a DUNS number it has been replaced by a new UEI value. You can login to sam.gov to check your new UEI. Then you can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and register in the System for the Award Management at sam.gov. Your organization will be assigned a UEI once registered.

3. Prepare Sub Application Materials

The next step requires you to work with your State Administrative Agency and determine if they have any state-required sub-application criteria in addition to what FEMA requires and has listed on NOFO.

• You need to write a mission statement on the official letterhead specifying ‘who, what, and why’ of your organization and submit it to SAA.
• You need to conduct and review vulnerability assessments for identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities and consequences of terrorist attacks at your facility with supporting documents.
• Complete the Investment Justification criteria number.

4. Submit Your DHS Grant Program Application

You need to submit your sub-application package to SAA, who will submit the final application package to FEMA along with your Investment Justification. For any doubts on FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program and its application process, you can find your state point of contact. For the FEMA NSGP Program Office or more information, you can contact them by email at [email protected].

Conclusion

To sum up, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program by the Department of Homeland Security offers financial assistance to at-risk churches and nonprofits to boost their security measures against terrorism and potential threats. Churches and houses of worship serve more than spiritual needs of attendance and help them with outreach services and assistance programs, especially to the at-risk communities and neighborhoods in crisis. With a high number of tragic security incidents at churches and places of worship across America, it is critical to apply for the Department of Homeland Security Grants for Churches and improve the security outcomes on site. By following the aforementioned instructions and eligibility criteria you can definitely assess these security grants and get the right support.

Are you interested in learning more about assistance programs and grants that can help you improve your living situation? Then check out the rest of our blogs at GrantsBuddy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Duties Of The Department Of Homeland Security?

The duties of the Department of Homeland Security is to protect the country from threats like cyber security, disaster response, counterterrorism, transportation security, emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, and border security.

Who Is Eligible For The Nonprofit Security Grant Program In Florida?

Churches, synagogues, and community-focused organizations are at-risk. Nonprofits and institutions registered as 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in Florida.

What Is The Purpose Of A UASI?

The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program, helps treat high-density urban areas to build and sustain capabilities required to prevent, mitigate, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of violence and terrorism.