Montgomery County Announces $700,000 Awarded to Nonprofit Organizations to Deter Hate Crimes and Support Security Needs

Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 27, 2022

On Thursday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was joined by members of the Montgomery County Council, including Council President Gabe Albornoz, and nonprofit and faith leaders to announce 61 grant recipients of $700,000 in County funding to improve security and deter hate crimes through the County’s Nonprofit Security Grants program.

In May 2021, the Montgomery County Council approved $700,000 to be available in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget to be used for nonprofit organizations and facilities which have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing, hate crimes. These grants are available to augment funds for security personnel or other security planning and training measures for nonprofit organizations located in Montgomery County. Faith-based facilities at risk of hate crimes were also eligible to apply. The funds are administered by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS).

“Coming on the heels of the terrifying hostage-taking at a synagogue in Texas, recent vandalism at a mosque here in our community, and acts of violence against Asian-Americans across the country, these nonprofit security grants are further affirmation of Montgomery County’s unwavering support for our neighbors of every religion, race and ethnicity, and for those organizations who serve them,” said County Executive Elrich. “These grants demonstrate our steadfast commitment to protect basic human rights. Sadly, hatred, stirred further by dangerous rhetoric and conspiracy theories, continues to engender threats and acts of violence. These grants will provide nonprofit and faith organizations with additional resources to enhance the security of their facilities and the safety of our residents and neighbors.”

“In the wake of recent attacks of hate and domestic terrorism in communities across our country, we in Montgomery County are stepping up to help our partners who are at risk of violence,” said Council President Albornoz. “By providing additional funding to these organizations, we aim to help and protect them against targeted acts of hate and violence. Our diversity is our strength, and no one should be under attack based on race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. This is the Montgomery Way.”

“Locally and nationally, we continue to see an alarming rise of abhorrent acts of hate, bigotry, and violence, including recent events like the Congregation Beth Israel hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas and the distribution of antisemitic fliers in the Forest Estates community of Silver Spring,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson. “In Montgomery County, we have a community of diverse residents who wish to practice our faiths and cultures freely. Schools and places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace and acceptance, not fear and violence. While we regret that this program is so needed at this time, I am proud to have worked with the Executive Branch and community partners to establish this grant program so we can provide added security for our residents.”

In addition to the grant funding, OEMHS and the Montgomery County Department of Police continue to provide support to all organizations who indicate the need for assistance with security. The County provides classes, assessments, and training specifically designed for nonprofit and faith-based facilities. OEMHS, which oversaw the administration of these grants, regularly offers a Securing Houses of Worship training for local religious facilities.

“These trainings help facilities evaluate and better secure their physical structures, develop plans for responding to threats and emergencies, and better prepare to protect themselves and their communities,” said Marianne Sounders, acting director of OEMHS. “Everyone has a right to work, live and worship in safety and security and we are happy to do our part to help.”

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) offers Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE) trainings, as well as assistance with security assessments and drills. For more information on upcoming Securing Houses of Worship trainings, please contact the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security at [email protected]. For information on CRASE trainings or facility assessment assistance, please contact the MCPD Community Engagement Division at [email protected].

To qualify for grant funding applying facilities were required to be in Montgomery County and be a nonprofit organization or religious facility experiencing threats or hate crimes or at significant risk of being the target of a hate crime as representatives of frequently targeted groups. All awardees are IRS registered 501(c)3, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation or religious organizations in good standing. Funds can only be used to provide security support for facilities located within the County. Organizations with more than one facility in the County were permitted to apply for grants separately for each physical location.

Nonprofit Security Grant Recipients:

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