Applications are now being accepted from nonprofit organizations seeking grants from $800,000 in total funding from Montgomery County’s “Nonprofit Security Grants” program. Three information sessions on how to apply will take place in October.
Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and facilities that have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing, hate crimes. The grants are available to augment costs for security personnel or other security planning measures.Eligible organizations could include nonprofit community service providers, houses of worship, or other faith-based organizations located in Montgomery County. The funds are administered by the County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS).
“Montgomery County is a community of diversity, inclusion and compassion, but we are not immune from hate and vitriol that could become criminal,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These grants will provide nonprofit organizations with additional resources to enhance the security of their facilities and the safety of our residents. This investment is an affirmation of Montgomery County’s support for our neighbors of every religion, race and ethnicity. We are committed to protect the rights of everyone who lives or visits our County and I encourage all applicable Montgomery County organizations to apply for these grants.”
In approving the County’s Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget that went into effect in July, the County Council approved $800,000 for the program.
“Across our country, we are seeing a rise in hate crimes and violence aimed at people and organizations of all different faiths and ethnicities,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz. “It is vital that we provide the supports they need to remain safe. We must stand with them in this perilous time and support them in every way we can.”
Information sessions on eligibility and how to apply for the program will be offered via a virtual platform on:
To register for the webinars and to access the grant application, visit the OEMHS Nonprofit Security Grants webpage. The application period will close on Oct. 26. Organizations will be notified of award decisions in early December
In addition to the grant funding, OEMHS and the Montgomery County Police Department will continue to provide support to organizations indicating the need for assistance with security. The County provides classes, assessments and trainings specifically designed for nonprofit and faith-based facilities.
To qualify for grant funding, applicants are required to be a Montgomery County-based nonprofit organization or a facility experiencing threats or hate crimes—or at significant risk of being the target of a hate crime. All awardees must be IRS registered 501(c)3, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations or religious institutions in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Funds can only be used to provide security support for facilities located within the County.
