Delegation Aims to Protect RI’s Nonprofits and Places of Worship from Violence & Hate Crimes

PROVIDENCE, RI - In an effort to improve public safety and help better protect vulnerable faith-based institutions and nonprofits, Rhode Island's Congressional delegation delivered a significant boost in homeland security funding and is urging local nonprofits and faith-based institutions to apply for federal funds under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

Earlier this year, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo delivered $2,248,436 in NSGP funds for Rhode Island to protect religious institutions against potential public safety threats.

The federal funds, which were awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and administered by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), are targeted to helping synagogues, churches, mosques, and other houses of worship or faith-based organizations enhance their security infrastructure, training, and systems. The federal NSGP funds can be used for things such as purchasing and installing appropriate locks, video cameras, and bulletproof glass.

Overall, the delegation helped include a total of $664 million in NSGP funds in fiscal year 2024, including over $300 million in the National Security Supplemental Appropriations bill, which was approved by Congress after Hamas's October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel.

During the first round of NSGP funding, DHS received 7,584 applications nationwide requesting $973 million. Of those applicants, 3,288 were approved and allocated $454.5 million.

Now, members of the delegation are encouraging Rhode Island faith based entities in need of security assistance to apply for the remaining $210 million in funds available that will be distribute in a second cycle. The federal funding is now available through a Notice of Funding Opportunity published by DHS.

"Whether attending a religious service or dropping your child off at camp, everybody should feel safe when they walk into a church, synagogue, or house of worship. Unfortunately, we've seen a rise in antisemitism and attacks on faith based institutions. This is a smart investment in helping vulnerable communities effectively protect themselves. It will help counter the heightened risks we're seeing, prevent attacks by making security enhancements, and ultimately save lives," said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

"In America, no one should have to live in fear because of who they are or how they worship," said Senator Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former Rhode Island Attorney General and U.S. Attorney. "We continue to secure federal funding to help religious nonprofits and places of worship improve security at their facilities so that Rhode Islanders can have peace of mind while they practice their faith."

"There has been an alarming rise in threats of violence against nonprofit organizations and places of worship. At a time when antisemitism and Islamophobia is on the rise, we need to work closely with law enforcement so that every Rhode Islander feels safe no matter where they worship," said Rep. Seth Magaziner, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement and Intelligence. "This federal funding will provide at-risk faith-based institutions and non-profits with the resources they need to ensure the safety of their members."

"With antisemitic, Islamophobic, and hate fueled incidents on the rise, we have an obligation to ensure every community feels safe and secure in their places of worship," said Congressman Gabe Amo. "Hate has no home in Rhode Island. I am proud to work with my colleagues to help deliver federal resources that will protect nonprofit organizations and ensure that every Rhode Islander can freely and safely practice their faith."

Organizations interested in applying can get more information on the NSGP application process here.

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