Governor Hochul Announces $33 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Security for Nonprofits Facing High Risks of Terrorism

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $33 million in federal funding to support the efforts of 198 nonprofit organizations facing an increased risk of terrorism. These funds will allow nonprofits to strengthen the security of their facilities, as well as enhance their overall preparedness. This funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Nonprofit Security Grant Program, is being allocated to New York through two separate awards. Organizations within the New York City Metro Area will receive $27 million, and organizations throughout the rest of the State will receive $6.4 million. The FEMA grants complement the additional $25 million in state funding recently announced by Governor Hochul for New York's nonprofits to bolster security and enhance preparedness against hate crimes and related attacks.

"Hate crimes continue to plague the nonprofit community and these funds will help organizations strengthen their security against individuals and groups who have trouble accepting the fact that our diversity is what makes New York State stronger," Governor Hochul said. "Those who perpetrate hate crimes will never win and they will not divide us. New York is the most diverse state in the nation, one of our best attributes, and we must continue to help these organizations protect themselves so they can flourish and continue to serve their communities."

Nationwide, a total of $180 million is being provided through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in FY 2021. Of this amount, $90 million in funding was made available to nonprofit organizations located within one of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)-designated high-risk urban areas. The remaining $90 million was reserved for jurisdictions outside of the UASI-designated areas.

Allowable costs include:

• Planning, including security risk management plans, continuity of operations plans, and response plans
• Equipment such as physical security enhancement equipment, and inspection and screening systems
• Training, including active shooter training, and security training for employees, members, or a congregation
• Response exercises
• Contracted Security Personnel

In New York, the state's UASI-designated high-risk urban area is the New York City Metro Area. Specifically, this consists of New York City, and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties. In 2021, New York leads the nation in both total funding and number of awardees in an UASI-designated area. A total of 182 UASI awards were given to 158 separate nonprofit organizations, for a total of $27 million.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders. A total of 230 awards were given to 198 organizations since some organizations operate multiple sites.

This federal funding will bolster ongoing efforts led by Governor Hochul to ensure non-public schools and cultural centers, including religious-based institutions, have the resources they need to protect against the threat of hate crimes.

Representative Grace Meng said, "In Congress, I have been proud to champion the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and help increase funding for this vital initiative. As I have said, we must never take a backseat to safety. It must always be the top priority, and these crucial funds will go a long way towards strengthening the safety and security of nonprofit facilities. I look forward to continuing to fight for even more funding."

Representative Adriano Espaillat said, "In the 285 days since January 6th, we have learned that we simply cannot take anything for granted - especially when it comes to the security of our most crucial institutions. We are living in a new world, and our communities are facing never-before-seen threats from actors wishing to sow chaos and disrupt the fabric of our neighborhoods. I commend Governor Hochul on today's announcement allocating this vital funding to ensuring our non-profit organizations have the resources they need to strengthen the security of their facilities so they will be able to prepare, react, and rebuild from any crisis and keep our communities safe."

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.