By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Federal grants are available for local nonprofit organizations to help them harden their facilities and build protection against “terrorist or other extremist attacks.”
The 2024 cycle of Nonprofit Security Grant Program “is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as local government agencies,” according to the Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense Office.
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
DHS said the 2024 grant cycle “is focused on building a national culture of preparedness and protecting against terrorism and other threats to our national security.”
According to the program’s guidelines, a vulnerability assessment is required to identify and validate physical security deficiencies of the organization’s facility.
“In preparation to describe how they intend to use NSGP grant funding, nonprofit organizations should think broadly and holistically in their approach to security measures designed to protect buildings and safeguard people,” the guidelines said.
Some physical security control examples include locks, gates and guards, plus additional layers to physical security such as comprehensive physical security plans, surveillance cameras and conducting training and exercises using active shooter and evacuation scenarios among others.
All interested faith-based, community, and nonprofit organizations are required to submit a letter of intent to apply to ronald.obispo@ghs.guam.gov by close of business, Friday, May 31, 2024, in order to have an opportunity to apply for federal funding.
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