Community Advisory: CAIR Encourages All Muslim Nonprofit Organizations and Mosques to Apply for DHS Security Grants

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged Muslim nonprofit organizations, mosques, and other Muslim institutions to prepare to apply for the newly announced $210 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that these funds, intended to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations from targeted attacks, will be available through a Notice of Funding Opportunity to be published in late October.

For guidance on applyingSEE: CAIR Preparation Guide: DHS/FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program FY 2024

SEE:DHS Announces $210 Million of Additional Funds to Protect Faith-Based Institutions and Nonprofit Organizations Against Targeted Attacks

Since the rising hate crimes since October 7, 2023, and the ever-changing threat environment, this funding serves as a vital resource for protecting Muslim organizations and their communities. CAIR stands ready to assist any mosque or Muslim nonprofit organization in navigating the application process and securing these essential resources.

“Faith-based institutions, including mosques and Islamic centers, are facing an unprecedented rise in hate crimes and targeted attacks,” said CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert McCaw. “It is crucial that Muslim nonprofit organizations take advantage of this funding to strengthen their security and protect their communities. We strongly encourage all eligible institutions to apply for these grants to ensure the safety of their congregations and facilities.”

This funding is part of the $390 million included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Security Supplemental. The DHS has allocated a total of $664 million for the NSGP in 2024, more than doubling the previous year’s amount of $305 million.

The DHS has highlighted that this additional funding will allow nonprofit institutions to bolster security measures, including adding personnel, technology, and infrastructure improvements. Organizations awarded NSGP funds in the past have used them for the installation of security cameras, lighting, access control systems, and staff training programs.

END

CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com