The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management (OEMHS) announced today that the County is making a $1.2 million commitment to help protect nonprofit and faith-based organizations that have experienced or are at high risk of experiencing hate crimes. OEMHS will administer the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Nonprofit Security Grant program, which organizations can use to help reduce security expenses. 

Eligible organizations can request up to $15,000 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. 

Eligible nonprofits can apply for funds by completing the application online. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct.18. An information session about the grant program will be held at 7 p.m. TODAY, Wednesday, Sept. 25. Starting Sept. 26,  view the recording of the virtual information session for the FY2025 Nonprofit Security Grants Program. 

"We must protect our nonprofit and faith communities from acts of hate and violence,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This $1.2 million in security grants demonstrates our commitment to helping organizations that are at high risk of hate crimes and incidents. No one should have to worry about their safety while serving their community or practicing their faith. I encourage all eligible nonprofits and faith communities to consider applying for these funds. We want them to have the resources they need to stay safe and secure. These same institutions should consider joining our new ‘MoCoConnect’ program, which allows them to integrate their security cameras with the Montgomery County Police Department and provide an additional layer of protection throughout our communities." 

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 $1.2 million to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant program as part of the County’s FY25 operating budget, which went into effect in July. This amount reflects an increase of $300,000 from the FY24 Nonprofit Security Grant program. 

"At a time when hate and bias incidents have reached historically alarming levels, we remain steadfast in providing financial support so our residents can safely learn, pray, and assemble in our community,” said County Council President Andrew Friedson. “This $1.2 million allocation in additional grant funds continues our unique local program to assist nonprofit and religious organizations facing heightened threats. We continue our commitment to tackling hate crimes and promoting enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of all members of our diverse County.”   

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.  

The police department is also increasing community security through its MoCoConnect security camera registration and integration program. Applicants for the Nonprofit Security Grant program may request funds to purchase a fususCORE device that enables security camera sharing with the Montgomery County Police Department.  

“We hope that expanding the eligible expenses to include the fususCORE device will help promote an increased level of security for local nonprofits and religious institutions and the communities they serve. Too often, these organizations are the targets of hate and bias-related incidents,” said Luke Hodgson, director of OEMHS. “With our partners in the Montgomery County Police Department, OEMHS provides resources and trainings to help organizations evaluate and better secure their facilities, develop plans for responding to threats and emergencies, and prepare to protect themselves and their communities.” 

Grant applications will be reviewed by an independent committee organized by the County’s Office of Grants Management. The committee will include neutral, qualified individuals from County Government who are selected for their experience 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 2025 Nonprofit Security Grants Program by visiting the Office of Grants Management website.  

Download the full FY2025 Nonprofit Security Grants Program NOFO. 

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