Protecting Houses of Worship in 2023: Grant Programs and Security Systems to Maintain Secure Worship Spaces
Over the past decade, there has been a horrific rise in threats and attacks against houses of worship. In 2012, a gunman attacked the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, and in the decade since then, attacks and threats of violence have plagued congregations of many different religions. Vandalism, threats, arson and active shooter events involving houses of worship have all become more frequent.
Houses of worship face a significant threat
On the federal level, the most well-known program that houses of worship are able to utilize to fund security technology and equipment improvements is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, allocated by FEMA. Though a federal program, each state is individually responsible for taking applications and allocating the funds to awarded entities. Here is a quick breakdown of the program.
There are countless verbal and physical threats to religious and nonprofit organizations of all types. Between early 2020 and late 2021, there were at least 100 acts of hate recorded against Catholic sites in the U.S. In May of 2021, there was a drastic increase in antisemitic hate crimes in New York City.
According to the FBI, 8,052 hate crimes occurred in 2020 alone. Of those incidents, nearly 62% of victims were targeted due race/ethnicity/ancestry bias, and 13% were targeted due to religious bias.
Attacks can occur on small and large scales. For example, in October 2012, an individual intentionally set fire to a synagogue in Austin. Another incident in Texas involved a U.K. citizen who held four people hostage at a synagogue in Colleyville. In 2018, a white supremacist terrorist attacked the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburg and killed 11 people.
The Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team states that faith-based organizations and houses of worship “will probably continue to be targets for violent extremists adhering to different violent extremist ideologies, some of whom may be hate crime perpetrators.” The JCAT states that improved communication, training, security protocols and awareness are critical elements of preventing and disrupting violent attacks.
Houses of worship are generally categorized as soft targets. The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defines soft targets as “locations that are easily accessible to large numbers of people and that have limited security or protective measures in place making them vulnerable to attack.” Many governmental agencies have issued resource pages for houses of worship to begin to understand, assess and implement a plan for improving security and emergency management protocols. Here are just a few:
- CISA has dedicated tools and resources for houses of worship to “support efforts to maintain safe and secure houses of worship.” These resources include conducting threat assessments and determining how to implement and improve security measures.
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosts a wealth of resources through its Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
- The FBI’s Community Outreach Division has a comprehensive document on programming and partnership opportunities.
- The Department of Justice’s Communication Relation Services site has a guide on resources and information for houses of worship on implementing security protocols and educational training.
- State and local law enforcement agencies may also offer resources for houses of worship and faith-based organizations.
These resources have served communities greatly in starting the process of implementing security equipment, programs and training. However, one of the most-asked questions about getting these systems installed is how to fund them. Fortunately, there are several grant programs available that can provide financial resources to help these spaces become safer and more prepared for a crisis.
Grant programs for houses of worship
In July of 2022, the Biden administration created the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council, which is tasked with addressing violent threats and attacks on houses of worship. The council includes law enforcement experts and faith leaders from a variety of different religious organizations.
This council is part of the Department of Homeland Security and provides the DHS Secretary with advice and recommendations on protecting houses of worship. It also offers recommendations on developing and implementing policies to help houses of worship prepare for, respond to and recover from terrorism, acts of targeted violence and other emergencies.
There are also grant programs at both the federal and state levels that provide funds to help houses of worship prepare for and respond to acts of violence and other threats. Each of these programs has its own eligibility and application requirements.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
On a federal level, the most well-known program that houses of worship are able to utilize to fund security technology and equipment improvements is the Nonprofit Security Grand Program, allocated by FEMA.
Through this program, each state is individually responsible for taking applications and allocating funds to awarded entities. The funding for this program in 2022 was $250 million (a 20% increase from 2021 to 2022), and the total funding for the 2023 fiscal year is $305 million.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
| Title of Program | Massachusetts Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program |
| Deadline | Although this program is not currently accepting applications, it may do so in the future. |
| Type of Grant | Competitive |
| Description of the Program | This grant opportunity is designed for nonprofit organizations to address critical infrastructure equipment and technology needs as it relates to building security and the safety of attendees and staff. |
| Who is Eligible to Apply | Nonprofit organizations |
| How Much Can an Entity Apply For | Funding for fiscal year 2024 has not yet been announced |
| Total Funding Available | Funding for fiscal year 2024 has not yet been announced |
| Award Notification | Although this program is not currently accepting applications, it may do so in the future. |
| Performance Period | Although this program is not currently accepting applications, it may do so in the future. |
| Link to the Current Grant Program | Visit Mass.gov for more information |
Massachusetts
| Title of Program | Massachusetts Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program |
| Deadline | Although this program is not currently accepting applications, it may do so in the future. |
| Type of Grant | Competitive |
| Description of the Program | This grant opportunity is designed for nonprofit organizations to address critical infrastructure equipment and technology needs as it relates to building security and the safety of attendees and staff. |
| Who is Eligible to Apply | Nonprofit organizations |
| How Much Can an Entity Apply For | Funding for fiscal year 2024 has not yet been announced |
| Total Funding Available | Funding for fiscal year 2024 has not yet been announced |
| Award Notification | Although this program is not currently accepting applications, it may do so in the future. |
| Performance Period | Although this program is not currently accepting applications, it may do so in the future. |
| Link to the Current Grant Program | Visit Mass.gov for more information |
New Jersey
| Title of Program | New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) |
| Deadline | Applications for fiscal year 2024 are not yet open. |
| Type of Grant | Competitive |
| Description of the Program | Provides funding to eligible nonprofit organizations at the greatest risk of terrorist attacks. There are two funding opportunities: security personnel and target hardening. |
| Who is Eligible to Apply | Nonprofit organizations |
| How Much Can an Entity Apply For | Applicants may receive up to $20,000 to hire security personnel. The max award (per applicant) for target hardening equipment is $50,000. |
| Total Funding Available | Dependent upon the fiscal budget |
| Link to the Current Grant Program | See the NJ NSGP Grant site for more details. |
California
| Title of Program | California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program |
| Deadline | N/A, the program is closed for applications at this time. |
| Type of Grant | Competitive |
| Description of the Program | The purpose of the CSNSGP is to provide funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to ideology, beliefs or mission. |
| Who is Eligible to Apply | Nonprofit organizations |
| How Much Can an Entity Apply For | $200,000 |
| Total Funding Available | Total funding for FY2024 has not yet been announced. |
| Link to the Current Grant Program | Visit the California site |
Protect your congregation with help from Rave Mobile Safety
Houses of worship face many threats, from terrorist attacks to interpersonal violence. It’s crucial for faith leaders and nonprofit organizations to find ways to prepare for emergencies and address areas that make them soft targets. An effective preparedness plan includes developing fast, effective response plans and improving communication before, during and following crisis situations.
At Rave Mobile Safety, a Motorola Solutions company, we partner with houses of worship to help them prepare for emergencies. Our communication and incident collaboration solutions can help keep faith leaders and congregants safer during worship services, planned events and emergencies. Contact our team to find out more about our prebuilt and customizable solutions.
