ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced applications are now being accepted for the FY25 Nonprofit and Faith-Based Security Grant program. With $250,000 in total program funding, grant awards will range from $15,000 to $25,000. Grant applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024.
Protecting our places of faith and nonprofits at risk of hate crimes is a priority. These critical grants allow those who serve our community the peace of mind to make sure their work is not interrupted by violence. We all deserve to gather, worship, and seek community services without the threat of violence.
The one-time grants are intended to support costs associated with enhanced security operations and safety infrastructure for organizations experiencing heightened risk of hate crimes and threats of violence. Funding may be used for certain operating costs such as hiring security personnel, developing a security assessment or plan, conducting security training and developing and executing a security drill. Furthermore, funding may be used to support capital costs such as security cameras, facility alarm systems, door locks, and cybersecurity.
Applicants must be based in Howard County and must either be a nonprofit organization at risk of hate crimes based on their work, community, or known threats experienced by their organization or similar organizations or communities nationally; or a faith-based organization that meet the requirements of a 501(c)(3) organization, and are at risk of hate crimes based on their work, community, or known threats experienced by their facility or other facilities representing their faith group nationally.
Organizations that have previously received a security grant may apply for up to $15,000 in funding for Fiscal Year 2025. Organizations that have not received previous funding may apply for up to $25,000, which is the maximum amount allotted for Fiscal Year 2025. Following a grant review process, funding notifications are expected to be made in January 2025.
All grant funding must be expended by the organization by December 31, 2025. Grant awardees will be required to complete quarterly reports detailing the use of grant funding.
For a full list of eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit here. The grant application is now open and will close on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.