$110 Million in Grants Secures Faith-Based Groups After Shooting
Faith-based organizations will have access to $110 million in grants to beef up security in the wake of last week’s deadly shooting of Catholic school students in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security is distributing the funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
“In the face of violent criminals and radical organizations intent on hurting American communities, the Trump administration is helping houses of worship, schools and community centers to harden their defenses against attacks and protect themselves,” Kristi Noem, secretary of homeland security, posted on X.
The money can be used for security enhancements such as cameras; warning and alert system; gates and lighting; access-control systems; and staff training programs. “Instead of using grant money to fund climate change initiatives and political pet projects, we are using this money to protect American communities — especially places where people gather in prayer,” she said.
Faith-based organizations of all beliefs are eligible, including Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jewish-affiliated institutions, according to FEMA. Congress appropriated $210 million in the National Security Supplemental, and $100 million already was allocated to 500 Jewish faith-based organizations nationwide in June. This last installment of $110 million represents the remainder of the money awarded to these organization
“Unlike the previous administration, recipients of grants will no longer be permitted to use federal funds to house illegal immigrants at luxury hotels, fund climate change pet projects or empower radical organizations with unseemly ties that don’t serve the interest of the American people,” FEMA said in a news release.
The Family Research Center found 1,384 acts of hostility or violence against churches from January 2018 to December 2024. “Whether they pray in a church, a mosque or a synagogue, all Americans should be able to practice their religion without fear of terrorism and violence,” a senior Department of Homeland Security official said.
–Metro Voice
