Rhode Island’s congressional delegation is urging local nonprofits and faith-based institutions to apply for federal funding to strengthen their security. This comes after the delegation provided more than $2.2 million in federal funding earlier this year through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

The funding aims to protect synagogues, churches, mosques and other places of worship or faith-based organizations from potential threats to public safety. The funds can be used for a variety of security measures, including the purchase of locks, video cameras and bulletproof glass.

This second round of funding is available after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received 7,584 applications nationwide, requesting $973 million in the first round. 3,288 proposals were approved and allocated $454.5 million. The remaining $210 million will be distributed during this second cycle.

“Whether it’s attending a church service or dropping off your child at camp, everyone should feel safe when entering a church, synagogue or place of worship,” said the Senator Jack Reed. “Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in anti-Semitism and attacks on faith-based institutions. This is a smart investment to help vulnerable communities protect themselves effectively.

The delegation highlighted the importance of funding in light of growing threats of violence against nonprofits and places of worship. They cited rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia as particularly concerning.

Interested organizations can learn more about the NSGP application process here.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp reporter with the reporting included in this article.