DHS Announces $24 Million Available to Non-Profits to Strengthen Security
The DHS announced recently that non-profit organizations in the 46 designated UASI areas are eligible to apply for funds as part of the fiscal 2007 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant program (NSGP). This grant program will provide more than $24 million to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that are deemed high-risk for a potential international terrorist attack.
Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations through their eligible State Administrative Agency (SAA) according to criteria that includes:
- Prior identified and substantiated threats or attacks toward the nonprofit or closely-related organization, either within or outside the United States, by a terrorist organization.
- Symbolic value of a site as a highly recognized national or historical institution that renders it a possible terrorist target.
- Organization’s role in responding to or recovering from terrorist attacks.
- Organization’s credible threat or vulnerability, as well as the potential consequences of an attack, as determined by a previously conducted risk assessment.
The federal grant funds must be used for target-hardening activities, which can be accomplished through training, or the purchase or installation of security equipment on real property owned or leased by the non-profit organization. Allowable equipment is limited to physical security enhancements (alarm systems, bullet-proof doors or windows) or inspection and screening systems (walk-through magnetometers and conveyor-belt X-ray systems). Additionally, non-profit organization security personnel may use NSGP funds to attend security-related training courses and programs. Not all eligible non-profit organizations and UASI communities are guaranteed to receive funding under the fiscal 2007 NSGP. Allocation decisions will be made based on risk and how well applicants address program requirements through investment justifications.
Non-profit organizations must submit applications through their SAA to be considered eligible for an award of up to $100,000. Nonprofit organizations must agree to match 25 percent of federal grant funds in cash or through equivalent, related training.