The Department of Homeland Security awarded $110 million in grants to faith-based organizations and nonprofits across the country, aiming to bolster security for these communities and groups.
The money is awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. More than 600 faith-based groups will receive grant money.
“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,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a post on X.
The announcement, made earlier this month, came just before Robin Westman, a 23-year-old transgender-identifying man, opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School, killing two children and injuring 18 others.
According to Noem, the money granted to these organizations can be used “on security enhancements, like cameras, warning and alert systems, gates and lighting, access control systems and training programs for staff.”
“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,” Noem said.
The money is available for faith-based organizations of all beliefs, 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 was already allocated to 500 Jewish faith-based organizations across the country in June. This last installment of $110 million closes out the money awarded to these organizations.
“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,” the FEMA press release reads.
The Trump administration is working to help these places of worship and community centers protect themselves in the wake of heightened violence. The Family Research Center, for example, found 1,384 acts of hostility or violence against churches alone 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 in the press release.