(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser is encouraging faith-based partners and eligible nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia to apply for federal grant money to support physical security, target hardening, planning, training, and other security-related activities at their facilities. The grants, managed through the District of Columbia’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), are a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).
“Across all eight wards, houses of worship act as pillars of DC values – places that bring our community together and, in good times and in bad, provide love and support to Washingtonians,” said Mayor Bowser. “I encourage DC’s faith-based communities and nonprofits to look into all the ways these funds can be used, think about how they can be used to enhance their own security, and then apply for funding.”
This year, eligible organizations may request up to $150,000 through an individual NSGP application. The funding can be used by nonprofits to make their operations safer through the purchase of physical security enhancements such as cameras, new doors, locks, gates, and security personnel. Applications for the NSGP must be submitted by Friday, April 23, to HSEMA, which is the State Administrative Agent for this grant.
“Houses of Worship are a vital part of our city. They continue to stand up for the most vulnerable members of our community and offer a safe place, but in doing so they have become vulnerable to those who defy and betray our shared DC values,” said Reverend Thomas L. Bowen, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs. “When we make sure that our Houses of Worship are protected, we not only protect our values, but we ensure that the institutions that we depend on in our greatest time of need are able to do so without fear or interruption.”
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend a webinar sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Grant Programs Directorate. A list of upcoming webinars is available at bit.ly/2021NSGPWebinars.
“This grant is a critical opportunity for District nonprofit and faith-based partners to minimize their risks and vulnerabilities,” said HSEMA Director Dr. Christopher Rodriguez. “As threats against these communities continue to evolve, HSEMA remains committed to improving the safety and security of District residents and visitors. The facilitation of this grant is just one way we continue to build resilience within our communities.”
Additional information on the NSGP and complete qualification information can be found on HSEMA’s website: hsema.dc.gov/NSGP