Illinois nonprofits just got a security boost, courtesy of Uncle Sam. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) have recently announced two federal grant opportunities aimed at stepping up nonprofit safety measures.
IEMA-OHS Director, Alicia Tate-Nadeau stated, "These outstanding 2024 grant opportunities provide organizations across Illinois the chance to implement enhanced safety measures to increase safety and security," according to a press release. As the threat of terrorism looms, nonprofits across the Prairie State can now upgrade their defenses through the Urban Area Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP-UASI) and the Statewide Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP-S), each touting a hefty $137,250,000 national funding pool.
Only those organizations with a 501c(3) status in high-risk zones for terrorism are eligible to apply for the two distinctly purposed grants. Metropolitan nonprofits, those located in Cook County, can turn to NSGP-UASI for their safety subsidies. Organizations outside the bustling epicenter of Chicago must eye the NSGP-S for their slice of the federal grant pie.
The competitive grants can spoon out up to $150,000 to approved applicants, with a sweet deal for groups operating multiple sites — up to $150,000 per site, for three locations maximum, as per IEMA-OHS Deputy Director and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Claire Moravec. "Investing in prevention provides for a safer future for all Illinoisans," Moravec told the agency's press release. These grants are intended to reinforce the physical security of these vital community hubs through robust improvements and staffing.
Security is no joke, and neither is the deadline for these grants. The allotted three years for organizations to complete their improvements means the clock is already ticking. Nonprofits ready to lock down this opportunity should head to IEMA-OHS's website for the full rundown on how to apply and what these grants entail. With communities on edge, this funding could be a game-changer, ensuring our places of gathering and goodwill aren't left vulnerable in an increasingly uncertain world.
