By Will Hall, Message Editor
ALEXANDRIA (LBM) – The Department of Homeland Security has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity relating to the 2019 Nonprofit Security Grant Program which offers funds to upgrade the security of facilities as protection against threats of violence due to “ideology, beliefs or mission.
Churches and religious schools have about two weeks to submit grant requests to the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.
If nonprofits are unable to meet the tight deadline for 2019, they should submit requests this year in order to be considered for the 2020 program.
The U.S. Congress provided $60 million for the FY19 program, which also covers synagogues and mosques, and Louisiana is expected to receive about $200,000 to $300,000 of that allocation. Last year, the state approved four grant requests.
IMPORTANT: The church is making the request to FEMA, but the state will submit the actual application based on the information the church provides (if the state approves the request).
Based on the process used in previous years:
- The first step is to apply for a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.
- The church also must complete a vulnerability assessment.
- An Investment Justification form must be completed.
- Finally, a budget must be submitted.
Contact the state office, 225.358.5599, for specific forms and instructions, and, ask for both the region and parish contacts in your area.
