Protecting Houses of Worship: Grant Programs and Security Systems to Maintain Secure Worship Spaces
Updated June 10, 2024
Over the past decade, there has been a horrific rise in threats and attacks against houses of worship. Just last year, a bomb threat targeted a New Jersey synagogue during Rosh Hashanah. Unfortunately, this is just one example of the continuous attacks and threats of violence that have plagued congregations of many different religions. Vandalism, threats, arson and active shooter events involving houses of worship have all become more frequent.
A report from the National Counterterrorism Center’s Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team (JCAT) has stated that these places “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 has stated that improved communication, training, security protocols and awareness are critical elements of preventing and disrupting violent attacks.
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.
Government Clearinghouses and Tools for Houses of Worship
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.
In the most recent “Homeland Threat Assessment” from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, they make it clear that, “the threat of violence from individuals radicalized in the United States will remain high.” Understanding the seriousness of these threats, multiple governmental agencies have dedicated resources to protecting houses of worship. 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
Grant programs continue to grow at both the federal and state levels that provide funds to help houses of worship and faith-based organizations prepare for and respond to acts of violence and other threats. Each of these programs has its own eligibility and application requirements.
The Federal 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 Grant 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 2024 was a total of $274.5 million.
| Title of Program | FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program |
| Deadline | Applicants will want to monitor their state’s administrative agency’s (SAA) grants website for their applicable deadline. Find your SAA here. |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit the FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant website for the most up to date information. |
State Nonprofit Security Grant Programs
The following are grant programs that individual states fund with state budget dollars, and are separate and in addition to the federal nonprofit security program.
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. Please check the program website for the most up to date information. |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit MA’s Program Webpage for the most current information. |
New Jersey
| Title of Program | New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) |
| Deadline | Applications for fiscal year 2024 are not yet open. Please check the program website for the most up to date information. |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit the NJ NSGP website for the most current information on the program. |
California
| Title of Program | California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program |
| Deadline | Applications for fiscal year 2024 are not yet open. Please check the program website for the most up to date information. |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit the CA Grants Portal Webpage for the most current information. |
Florida
| Title of Program | State Nonprofit Security Grant Program |
| Deadline | Applications for fiscal year 2024 are closed. Please check the program website for the most up to date information. |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit the FL Division of Emergency Management’s website for the most current information. |
Washington
| Title of Program | Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant |
| Deadline | July 2, 2024 |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit the WA Department of Commerce website for the most current information. |
Connecticut
| Title of Program | Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program |
| Deadline | Applications for fiscal year 2024 are closed. Please check the program website for the most up to date information. |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit the CT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security’s website for the most current information. |
Ohio
| Title of Program | State of Ohio Security Grant |
| Deadline | Applications for fiscal year 2024 are not yet open. Please check the program website for the most up to date information. |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit the OH Emergency Management Agency’s website for the most current information. |
Pennsylvania
| Title of Program | Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program |
| Deadline | Applications for fiscal year 2024 are not yet open. Please check the program website for the most up to date information. |
| Link to the Grant Program Webpage | Visit the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s website for the most current information. |
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.
