Montgomery County to Award $900,000 in Security Grants to Nonprofit Organizations at High Risk of Experiencing Hate Crimes

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 11, 2023

The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management (OEMHS) announced today that the County is making a $900,000 commitment to help protect nonprofit organizations that have experienced or are at high risk of experiencing hate crimes. OEMHS will administer the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Nonprofit Security Grant that organizations can use to help reduce security expenses. 

Nonprofit organizations can request up to $20,000 per facility and funds must be expended over a 12-month period. Eligible organizations include nonprofit community service providers, houses of worship or other faith-based organizations with facilities located in the County. 

“Montgomery County is proud to be one of the most culturally diverse communities in the country. We celebrate inclusion and are committed to supporting our neighbors of every religion, race and ethnicity,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “However, individuals and organizations within our community continue to face threats of harm motivated by hate. These grants will provide nonprofit and religious organizations with additional funding to enhance the security of their facilities and promote safety within the communities they serve. This investment is an affirmation of Montgomery County’s support for our diverse population, and I encourage all applicable Montgomery County organizations to apply for these grants.”   

Eligible nonprofits can apply for funds by completing the application form. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. An information session about the grant program will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2023. Attend or view the recording of the virtual meeting at Information Session for the FY2024 Nonprofit Security Grants Program. 

The full program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the online application, an online information session, links to additional training events, and other resources are available on the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management - Grants Application website. 

The County Council approved $900,000 to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant program as part of the County’s FY24 operating budget which went into effect in July. 

“We have heard repeated requests from congregants and faith leaders of all backgrounds for increased funding to support security needs. This $900,000 commitment is a reflection of our promise to put real dollars behind our efforts to protect residents from acts of hate and violence, at a time when we are experiencing an alarming rise of bias-related incidents," said County Council President Evan Glass. "This grant funding will help provide resources to nonprofit and religious organizations facing such heightened threats. We must continue to promote safety and security and address hate-related crime so all of our residents and visitors feel welcome in our community.”   

In addition to the grant funding, OEMHS and the Montgomery County Police Department continue to provide support with security to organizations indicating a need for assistance. The County provides classes, assessments and training sessions specially designed for nonprofit and faith-based facilities.  

“With our partners in the Montgomery County Police Department, OEMHS provides security trainings to help facilities evaluate and better secure their facilities, develops plans for responding to threats and emergencies, and prepares to protect themselves and their communities,” said Luke Hodgson, director of OEMHS. “Our goal is to foster a safer environment for local nonprofits and religious institutions and the communities they serve, which are too often the targets of hate crimes.” 

Grant applications will be reviewed by an independent committee organized by the Office of Grants Management. The committee will include neutral, qualified individuals from Montgomery County Government who are selected for their experiences in the grant program’s subject area, grants administration or project management. The panel members will review and score applicant proposals on a 100-point scale based on the criteria and priorities established in the grant program, with cumulative ranking informing the final awards. 

Questions about the application process can be directed to Ali Hoy, Outgoing Grants Program Manager of the Office of Grants Management, by calling 240-773-3384 or emailing [email protected]. 

Find more information and apply to the FY 2024 Nonprofit Security Grants Program by visiting the Office of Grants Management website.  

Download the full FY2024 Nonprofit Security Grants Program NOFO. 

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Release ID: 23-446
Media Contact: Mark Roper 240-962-1743
Categories: Grants, Public Safety