The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is proud to announce the awarding of $150,000 in federal grant money under the FY2019 Department of Homeland Security Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to five nonprofits in the state. NSGP provides funding support for physical security enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. This year's total award represents a 17% increase over last year's award.
This year's award recipients were chosen from a field of 17 applicants. They are: Chabad of West Bay in Warwick, Congregation Jeshuat Israel in Newport, the Islamic School of Rhode Island in West Warwick, Temple Emmanuel in Providence, and Temple Shalom in Middletown.
"This means a lot to us," says Mirvat Elanani of the Islamic School in West Warwick. They plan to use the money toward new fencing. "We worry every now and then about things going on in the world. Some days we stay indoors and don't move from one building to another. We feel very vulnerable, very exposed. This means a more secure playground for our students."
"These grants represent a whole community approach to safety and preparedness," says RIEMA Director Marc Pappas. "We are pleased to assist with physical security enhancements and protection measures. It's important to build and sustain safety measures and these grants help the recipients do that."
NSGP priorities are to enhance the protection of soft targets/crowded places, and to mitigate the loss of life and property against threats and hazards. The next opportunity for nonprofits to apply for the grant is spring 2020.
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