Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday that the state will release another $5 million in funding for a grant program designed to help nonprofits strengthen security measures and protect against potential acts of violence, terrorism and hate crimes.
This is the fourth round of funding for the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which was launched in 2021 and is administered by the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Eligible nonprofits will be able to apply for grants beginning in July. The program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations that face an elevated risk of being targeted because of their mission, activities or identity, officials said. Faith-based organizations and houses of worship are among those eligible to apply.
The program helps organizations obtain financial assistance for security improvements while supporting the state’s broader public safety goals, Lamont said in a statement.
Since its creation, the program has distributed $5 million in grants during each of three previous funding rounds in 2021, 2023 and 2024. The latest allocation brings the state’s total commitment to the initiative to $20 million.
Organizations may receive up to $50,000 per site for security-related upgrades identified through security assessments. Eligible projects include infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases intended to harden facilities against threats.
