Mercer Houses Of Worship, Nonprofits Get Funding To Enhance Security

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Local nonprofits and houses of worship in Mercer County continue to secure critical funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

These grants can be used for security enhancements such as surveillance equipment, access control systems, and security personnel.

The funding was made possible through the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) Homeland Security Unit’s partnership with federal and state agencies — including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP), and the New Jersey State Police.

To date, 32 Mercer County houses of worship have been awarded NSGP grant funding totaling more than $3.6 million. MCPO has conducted or assisted with more than 50 security assessments and provided grant-writing and management support to 24 houses of worship, ensuring they can better protect their congregations.

“Safety and security for all faith-based communities is a top priority,” Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said. “These grants provide vital resources to help nonprofits and houses of worship strengthen their security measures. We encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this opportunity.”

These efforts align with outreach from OHSP’s Interfaith Advisory Council (IAC), which promotes collaboration between law enforcement and faith-based institutions. Organizations interested in learning more about NSGP grants, emergency action plans, bleed control kits, active shooter training or reporting bias crimes and suspicious activity can visit njohsp.gov/connect/interfaith-advisory-council.

For assistance with NSGP applications or security assessments, contact the MCPO Homeland Security Unit at CTC@mercercounty.org.

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