Grants Available To Support Safety, Security At Churches, Nonprofits

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Applications for the fiscal year 2025 Nonprofit and Faith-Based Security Grant Program are being accepted through Dec. 20. These grants will help support improvements to security and safety at nonprofits and places of worship.

With $250,000 in total program funding, grant awards will range from $15,000 to $25,000. Grant applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Dec. 20.

“Protecting our places of faith and nonprofits at risk of hate crimes is a priority,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “These critical grants allow those who serve our community the peace of mind to make sure their work is not interrupted by violence. We all deserve to gather, worship and seek community services without the threat of violence.”

The one-time grants are intended to support costs associated with enhanced security operations and safety infrastructure for organizations experiencing heightened risk of hate crimes and threats of violence. Funding can be used for certain operating costs such as hiring security personnel, developing a security assessment or plan, conducting security training and developing and executing a security drill. Funding also can be used to support capital costs such as security cameras, facility alarm systems, door locks and cybersecurity.

Applicants must be based in Howard County and must either be a nonprofit organization at risk of hate crimes based on their work, community or known threats experienced by their organization or similar organizations or communities nationally; or a faith-based organization that meet the requirements of a 501(c)(3) organization, and are at risk of hate crimes based on their work, community, or known threats experienced by their facility or other facilities representing their faith group nationally.

Organizations that have previously received a security grant may apply for up to $15,000 in funding for fiscal year 2025. Organizations that have not received previous funding may apply for up to $25,000, which is the maximum amount allotted for fiscal year 2025. Following a grant review process, funding notifications are expected to be made in January 2025.

For a full list of eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit here.