The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today announced the release of its newest guide, the “CAIR Preparation Guide: DHS/FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program FY 2024,” aimed at assisting American mosques, Islamic community centers, and nonprofit organizations in applying for the 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).
CAIR’s new guide offers detailed program information such as eligibility, acceptable projects, application requirements, and a timeline for the FY 2024 grant cycle. This comprehensive guide provides a clear roadmap for organizations seeking to fortify themselves against hate crimes and terrorist threats. It includes a checklist detailing all necessary steps for a successful application, ensuring organizations can easily follow and stay on track.
“Facing increased threats to our mosques and Islamic centers, it is crucial for American Muslim leaders to apply for this year’s FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program. CAIR’s new guide provides a clear overview of the program, a checklist for applying, and a sample application for mosques. We must reinvest our tax dollars back into our communities to enhance our safety and security amid this 30-year surge in anti-Muslim hate,” said CAIR Director of Government Affairs Robert S. McCaw.
To help applicants prepare a strong application package, the guide also includes essential resources such as webinar recordings, contact information for State Administrative Agencies (SAA), and templates for investment justification. The appendix presents an example of an investment justification for a fictional “Unity Mosque” to guide applicants through the application scenario with best practices.
CAIR underscores the importance of the security review conducted by the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis for prospective NSGP recipients. This evaluation occurs post-competitive scoring and selection, with information limited to the organization’s name and physical address, as submitted by the nonprofit.
For American Muslim community nonprofits facing grant application denials, CAIR extends support to follow up with FEMA, reviewing denied applications, identifying reasons for denial, and strategizing ways to enhance future applications.
BACKGROUNDER:
On April 16, FEMA announced the opening of this year’s federal grant cycle, with a federal deadline set for June 24. With grant applications being submitted through state-administered portals, CAIR notes many state deadlines close sooner. This guide is designed to equip mosques, Islamic centers, and Muslim nonprofit organizations with the essential knowledge and tools to enhance their security measures through federal funding.
In the final quarter of 2023, the American Muslim community faced a relentless wave of bias, with CAIR reporting a significant increase in hate and discrimination incidents. In 2023, CAIR received 8,061 complaints nationwide, marking the highest number of complaints CAIR has ever recorded in its 30-year history. This surge underscores the critical need for heightened security and preparedness within our communities, particularly for spaces serving as houses of worship, education, and gathering.
Following the passage of the $1.2 trillion spending package in March, the NSGP was allocated $274.5 million for fiscal year 2024, $30.5 million less than the previous grant cycle. This allocation signifies substantial federal support to safeguard communities, including those targeted by Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and other forms of hate. The funding is crucial for enhancing the preparedness and resilience of vulnerable spaces, such as places of worship, educational institutions, and community centers, against the backdrop of rising hate crimes.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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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