Montgomery County Announces $700,000 to Support Security Needs of Nonprofit Organizations

Montgomery County Announces $700,000 to Support Security Needs of Nonprofit Organizations

Per Montgomery County:

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 22, 2021

County Executive Marc Elrich announced the County will begin accepting applications on Friday, Sept. 24 from nonprofit organizations seeking grant funding from the Nonprofit Security Grants program. Information sessions on how to apply will take place in September.

Montgomery County has approved $700,000 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 costs for security personnel or other security planning measures for nonprofit organizations located in Montgomery County. The funds are administered by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS).

“Montgomery County is a community of diversity, inclusion and compassion – but we are not immune from hate and vitriol that could become criminal,” said County Executive Elrich. “These grants will provide nonprofit organizations with additional resources to enhance the security of their facilities and the safety of our residents. This investment is an affirmation of Montgomery County’s support for our neighbors of every religion, race and ethnicity. We are committed to protect the rights of all our everyone who lives or visits our County and I encourage all applicable Montgomery County organizers to apply for these grants.”

The Montgomery County Council approved $700,000 to be available in the fiscal year 2022 budget in May 2021. Information sessions on eligibility and how to apply for the program will be offered via a virtual platform on three dates in September:

• Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 30 at 1 p.m.

Please visit the OEMHS Non-profit Security Grants webpageto register for one of the information sessions and to access the application, which can be submitted online beginning Friday, Sept. 24. The application period will close on Oct. 22. Organizations will be notified of award decisions in early December.

In addition to the grant funding, OEMHS and the Montgomery County Police Department 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.

To qualify for grant funding applicants are required to be a Montgomery County-based nonprofit organization or facility experiencing threats or hate crimes or at significant risk of being the target of a hate crime. All awardees must be IRS registered 501(c)3, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Funds can only be used to provide security support for facilities located within the County.