All you have to do is watch the news to understand why the clergy and members of synagogues, churches, mosques, and other houses of worship and their families are very concerned about their safety and security. While these hate attacks are rare, they occur frequently enough to make people fear for their safety when they worship.
Safety systems with bullet-proof glass can provide a much-needed layer of security but they can be costly. Help is available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency grants.
Be sure to choose an experienced contractor, like Ben’s General Contracting, to handle each step of installing bullet-proof security systems, from the initial consultation, through design and planning, and installation.
Who is Eligible for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program?
Houses of worship can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to assist houses of worship in paying for these crucial security upgrades and bullet resistant barriers through the 2019 Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Nonprofit organizations in designated urban areas, including the New York City area, are eligible for a Nonprofit Security Grant Program-Urban Area (NSGP-UA) grant). Those outside these areas can apply for a Nonprofit Security Grant Program-State (NSGP-S) grant.
In light of recent events, more funding is expected to be available through the next round of grants in 2020.
How to Apply for the NSGP
First, your organization must show evidence it is a nonprofit. Synagogues, churches and mosques are automatically considered 501c3 charities, as long as they meet the requirements of the IRS, and continue to meet 501c3 requirements.
Next, the organization must obtain a DUNS number and a valid employer ID number. Applicants must prove that they are a high risk of terrorist attack when they fill out their initial application.
General Mission of the Security Grant
Security Preparedness: The mission of the grants is to provide security enhancements to help prevent and minimize terrorist attacks using bullet-resistant and impact-resistant doors, gates, window film, electronic entry, cameras and security training.
