Rep. Gillen Urges Houses of Worship to Apply for FY2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY – Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) urged local houses of worship and faith-based institutions to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, a critical source of funding that helps protect religious communities from the rising threat of hate-fueled violence.

“I am committed to making sure that our religious institutions have the necessary resources to protect themselves so that every community can worship and practice religion free from fear,” said Rep. Gillen. “It is important to bring back more of our tax dollars from Washington to better protect our communities from terrorism and other threats. Securing this funding to safeguard our institutions is particularly urgent as we face an increase in hate and extremism in New York and across the country.”

The full letter can be found here and text below:

Dear Friend,

As your Representative in Congress, I am urging houses of worship across the Fourth Congressional District to apply for the Fiscal Year 2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The NSGP is a grant program that provides federal funding to houses of worship and other nonprofits for security enhancements, including certain contracted security personnel. You may find the notice of the funding opportunity at grants.gov/search-results-detail/360157. My team and I are eager to assist you, and I would be glad to write a letter asking for full and fair consideration of your application.

I urged the FEMA Acting Administrator to issue NSGP grant applications during a hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. After months of delay, I am pleased the Administration has finally made these funds available. Houses of worship and nonprofits in New York must apply for the NSGP through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). DHSES should post information soon on how to apply for the FY25 NSGP at dhses.ny.gov/nonprofit-programs.  In the meantime, I encourage you to make use of the Getting Started Guide, available at dhses.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/06/nsgp-getting-started-guide-6.28.2024.pdf, to make sure you are prepared to apply. My office will follow up soon with additional information, including an updated DHSES deadline for submitting applications.

I am committed to making sure that our religious institutions have the necessary resources to protect themselves so that every community can worship and practice religion free from fear. It is important to bring back more of our tax dollars from Washington to better protect our communities from terrorism and other threats. Securing this funding to safeguard our institutions is particularly urgent as we face an increase in hate and extremism in New York and across the country.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office on (202) 225-5516 for any support or assistance and to request a letter asking for full and fair consideration. Additionally, I would encourage you to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts to stay up to date on information regarding the application process for the FY 25 NSGP.

Thank you for your work to help protect and secure our houses of worship and other nonprofits. I look forward to continuing to work with you to keep our communities on Long Island safe.

Regards,

Laura A. Gillen

Member of Congress