Gottheimer Hosts Conference Call on Security Grants for Religious Institutions

Houses of Worship, Schools, Religious Institutions Eligible for Nonprofit Security Grants

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 1st, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a conference call with New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Jared Maples and faith leaders from North Jersey to discuss security in local houses of worship, schools, and religious institutions. Gottheimer wanted to encourage local organizations to apply for the Nonprofit Security Grant (NSGP). These grants provide critical funding for target hardening and physical security enhancements to help prevent terrorist attacks. These resources may also be used to conduct security-related exercises, participate in on-site training, and hire security personnel to protect nonprofits.

“I am grateful to NJOHSP Director Jared Maples and faith leaders from North Jersey for joining the call to discuss the urgent need to apply for grants like the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This is especially important given the increased threat of violent attacks on our religious institutions. The safety and security of our places of worship is a bedrock American value. That is why my office continues to work with all eligible nonprofits to help claw back more of our federal tax dollars to protect our families and communities from threats of violence and homegrown terrorism,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

“You’ve been one of the loudest and most consistent voices from our delegation, and indeed all of Congress, as far as getting these dollars out to the community, into the faith-based community that so richly deserves and needs these funds to protect the congregations,” said Jared Maples, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), of Gottheimer, during the conference call with faith leaders. “We were number two in the country – overall as a state – over $8 million – and District 5 is, I believe, the leader of that, and quite frankly that means across the country, as far as clawing back and getting those dollars into the community, again, that are so vital.”

In 2018, fourteen schools, synagogues, churches, and organizations in New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District received nearly $1.8 million in grants from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program — one of the highest figures of any Congressional District in the country. That’s up from $500,00 the year before. Anyone interested in applying for a NSGP should contact Gottheimer’s office at (201) 389-1100.

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