🌟 Exciting News from GrantsHelp! As part of our ongoing efforts to streamline user experience and improve access to grant products and related resources, the GrantsHelp websites will begin to sunset starting on October 1, 2025.
All grant content and tools are being integrated into our core media platforms— Police1, FireRescue1, EMS1, Corrections1, and Gov1—where the majority of our audience already engages.
We appreciate your support as we modernize and consolidate our digital presence to better serve public service agencies and their funding needs.
$110M in FEMA grants awarded to nonprofits, faith-based groups for security upgrades
FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps fund lighting, surveillance and training to safeguard congregants and community members from targeted violence
Washington, DC USA; August 3, 2024: Logo and FEMA lettering on the Federal Emergency Management Agency Headquarters Building
Neal McNeil/Getty Images
WASHINGTON — More than 600 faith-based and nonprofit organizations across the U.S. will receive a share of $110 million from the Department of Homeland Security to bolster security against potential terrorist threats,
DHS officials announced
.
The funding, distributed through
FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program
, will support physical security enhancements like surveillance cameras, access control systems, lighting, gates and staff training. Eligible recipients include churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, schools and community centers.
This second wave of awards announced on Aug. 19 follows an earlier $100 million allocation announced in June, which was directed to over 500 Jewish-affiliated institutions. That announcement came shortly after the
terror attack in Boulder, Colorado
, and the fatal stabbing of two Israeli Embassy staffers. The total $210 million in funding was authorized through the National Security Supplemental passed by Congress.
“Whether they pray in a church, a mosque or a synagogue, all Americans should be able to practice their religion without fear of terrorism and violence,” said a senior Department of Homeland Security official. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS is laser-focused on ensuring the safety of the American people. Instead of using grant money to fund climate change initiatives and political pet projects, we are using this money to protect American communities — especially places where people gather in prayer.”
Organizations affiliated with Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist communities were among the recipients. DHS emphasized that all faith-based institutions were eligible to apply to help defend themselves from threats.
According to DHS, a review of all grant programs was conducted to improve accountability and ensure funds are used strictly for security-focused efforts.
Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.
