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NSGP Webinar

March 21, 2019

Some people couldn’t join the webinar today. Sorry, but this was a DHS production and we had no control.

We didn’t hear anything more than that they plan to release the Notice of Grant Opportunity (NOFO) on or before April 16th. We should expect the NY DHSES Request for Applications (RFA) soon thereafter. The NOFO will include the deadline for states to submit the applications to DHS. NY DHSES will have to give themselves enough time to score hundreds of submissions. Remember: The NY RFA will be the definitive and final word on all grant details.

Click here for a copy of today’s slides and here for some FAQ‘s. There are some interesting details in the FAQ’s.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Nonprofit Organizations.

    1. What is the purpose of the NSGP? The NSGP provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at risk of a terrorist attack.
    2. Where can I learn more about the NSGP? The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is the official document that contains all information and requirements for the current year NSGP. The FY 2019 NSGP NOFO has not been released yet. Check http://fema.gov/grants for the NOFO release.
    3. How much funding is available under the NSGP? The total amount of funds available for NSGP is determined annually by the appropriations act. The total amount of funds available under FY 2019 NSGP is $60,000,000, of which: $50,000,000 is for NSGP-Urban Area (NSGP-UA); and $10,000,000 is for NSGP-State (NSGP-S)
    4. Who is eligible to apply to FEMA for NSGP funding? The State Administrative Agency (SAA, in NY that’s DHSES) is the only entity eligible to apply to FEMA for NSGP funding on behalf of an eligible nonprofit organization. Nonprofit organizations must apply to their SAA as the sub-applicant.
    5. Am I an eligible nonprofit organization? An eligible nonprofit organization must:
      a) Meet the description under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986 and be exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such code;
      b) For NSGP-UA, be located within one of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)- designated urban areas (the year you are applying for funding); OR for NSGP-S, be located outside of a UASI-designated urban area (for the year you are applying for funding); and c) Determined to be at high risk of a terrorist attack by the Secretary of Homeland Security (this is informed by the state scores/recommendations and the Federal review results).
    6. What is the difference between NSGP-UA and NSGP-S? NSGP-UA provides funding for nonprofit organizations located within a current year UASI designated urban area. NSGP-S provides funding for nonprofit organizations located outside of current year UASI designated urban areas. The UASI-designated urban areas are determined annually. For a list of UASI-designated urban areas, see the NSGP NOFO for the year you will apply for funding.
    7. Should I apply to NSGP-UA or NSGP-S? If the physical address of the nonprofit organization is within a UASI-designated urban area (the year you are applying for funding) then you may apply to NSGP-UA. If the physical address of the nonprofit organization is outside of a UASI-designated urban area (the year you are applying for funding) then you may apply to NSGP-S. If you are unsure whether your nonprofit organization’s physical address is located within or outside of a UASI-designated urban area, contact your SAA. For a list of SAA contacts, see http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/documents/28689?id=6363. You may not apply to both programs. Applications that are received for the wrong program will be deemed ineligible.
    8. How do I apply? Eligible nonprofit organizations must apply to their SAA for NSGP funding. Nonprofits may not apply to FEMA directly. Contact your SAA for information on how to apply.
    9. What kinds of target hardening project costs or security enhancement costs can I apply for? Allowable costs include planning, equipment, training, and exercises. Below are some examples of each:
      • Planning – Activities related to the development of plans such as:
        • Security Risk Management Plans
        • Continuity of Operations Plans
        • Response Plans
      • Equipment – Authorized Equipment List Sections 14 and 15 only; examples include:
        • Access control equipment
        • Surveillance equipment
        • Physical protective measures such as fences, bollards, concrete barriers
      • Training
        • Active Shooter Training
        • Security Training for employees, or members/congregation
      • Exercises
        • Response exercises

For a complete and up-to-date description on allowability, see the NSGP NOFO for the year you will apply for funding. See more FAQ’s here.

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Non-Profit Security Grant is Coming Soon!

February 26, 2019

DHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives

Prepare Now for the Non-Profit Security Grant!

Updated March 14, 2019| FEMA will release the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) no later than April 16, 2019 which opens the application period. Under the FY 2019 NSGP FEMA will award $60 million in security related funding to nonprofit organizations. New York State DHSES will transform this document into its Request for Applications (RFA) which will be the last word for New York nonprofits on the requirements and deadlines for submissions.

In FY 2019, FEMA will award $60 million dollars in security funding for nonprofit organizations. The application period for NY organizations starts on the day the RFA is released. Nonprofit organizations are required to submit their application to NY DHSES shortly thereafter.

FEMA Webinar (3/21) – Protecting Your Organization: Fiscal Year 2019 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and other Resources to Help Keep Your Facility Safe

Register

Please register if you are unable to attend to receive a recording of this webinar.

Please join FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate in partnership with DHS’s Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives and FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division, on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 2-3 p.m. ET to learn about the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and how to prepare for the application period.

Get a head start on the application by reviewing the FY 2018 NSGP Investment Justification (IJ) questions and preparing your answers. Download a copy at: Investment Justification 2018, JCRC-NY’s 2018 Tutorial (PDF of PowerPoint), JCRC-NY’s Tying together the risk and target hardening language and JFNA’s Threat Chronology.

Note: JCRC-NY modified a FEMA announcement to add NY-specific details. Organizations outside of NY should check with their state.

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Please tell me when the security grant will be released…

February 11, 2019

Update (Feb. 15). reports today point to the fact that the President will sign the  compromise budget bill. That being said, here’s  what we do know about the Program funding.

Program funding. We are thrilled to report that the budget bill funds the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at the same levels as last year: $50 million for the NSGP-UA initiative (limited to designated Urban Areas) and $10 million to NSGP-S (open to jurisdictions located outside of the designated Urban Areas). Our Congressional delegation deserves a round of thanks, first to House Appropriations Chair Nita Lowey and to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who circulated a “Dear Colleague” letter calling for an increase in the proposed funding levels.

Timing. FEMA is required to publish its guidance (formally known as a “Notice of Funding Opportunity”) within 60 days of the signing of the budget, although it could be released sooner (i.e., we will know about the details mid-March to mid-April). New York State DHSES will set its submission deadline 3-5 weeks after that, depending on how much time DHS gives them. Note: it is critical that you pay attention to the Request for Applications that will be posted at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/grants/nonprofit/nsgp.cfm. This will include all of the requirements to apply for a grant.  We will continue to post the latest information at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants.

Getting ready for the grant
All organizations planning to submit for a grant this year should get started now, because the actual application may not be available until the last minute. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Get an assessment. If you don’t already have one, or have scheduled one, do so immediately. Since November, JCRC-NY, through a generous grant from UJA-Federation and the Paul E. Singer Foundation, has arranged for scores of professional security assessments for Jewish organizations. These assessments cover most of what is required on the federal Investment Justification (the major component of the application). By implementing the recommendations from the report, you should go a long way towards making your facility safer. Applications accompanied by self-assessments will be accepted. For more guidance click to: /security-assessment/.
  2. Prequalify. Your Nonprofit Security Grant Program will not be accepted unless your organization is “Prequalified.” See more information at: /document-vault-faqs/. If you submitted for a grant last year you are prequalified, but you may have to update some documents.
  3. E-Grants. NY grants must be submitted through the E-Grants system. Previous applicants already have an account. Otherwise, click here to apply for an account. N.B. JCRC-NY cannot answer questions about your E-Grants submissions. Contact DHSES at 1-866-837-9133 or Grant.Info@dhses.ny.gov.
  4. Investment Justification. This is the key component of the application. We don’t expect significant changes this year. Download the 2018 template here and answer all of the questions to the best of your ability now, so that you will be able to adapt your answers (if necessary) and cut and paste them into the 2019 Investment Justification, even if the application window is very brief.
  5. Help with the vulnerability and facility hardening sections. See our document, Tying together the risk and target hardening language. Select and build on our language to complete the most challenging sections of the Investment Justification.
  6. More help.  See our 2018 Tutorial (PDF of PowerPoint), Tying together the risk and target hardening language and our Selective Threat Scan
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New security funding for NY Jewish organizations

November 06, 2018

As you are considering how to best secure your organization while remaining welcoming, UJA-Federation and JCRC-NY are pleased to offer, with generous support from the Paul E. Singer Foundation and the Jewish Communal Fund, additional resources to keep you and your stakeholders safe and secure:

PROFESSIONAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT: Through JCRC, UJA-Federation is making available at no cost to you, professional security assessments so that you can immediately start safeguarding your institution and be ready to apply for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NY State grants. Organizations that professionally assessed are significantly more likely to receive funding than those that do not. For more information, review the information below or contact David Pollock at JCRC.

Apply Now

SECURITY GRANTS RECIPIENTS BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM: Through the Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS), UJA has created a bridge loan fund providing capital to federal and state grant recipients to make all necessary upgrades immediately; and get reimbursed from the state later. Available on a first come, first served basis for organizations that have received security grants, but cannot afford to pay for security enhancements upfront while awaiting reimbursement from the government. This program provides interest-free loans of up to $150,000 to organizations in any of New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island Read here for more information, or contact HFLS Director of Finance Daren Scott.

Apply Now

Start with an assessment

A Terrorism Vulnerability Assessment  examines the threats to your Jewish organization, documents the gaps in physical security measures and security policies and procedures, and the consequences of a terrorist attack. The assessment will also recommend specific steps to mitigate the threats, specifically written to comport with the federal and state grant applications. Click here to apply for an experienced and credentialed security professional to conduct a Terrorism Vulnerability Assessment of your Jewish organization.

Assessments will be scheduled until the funding is exhausted. We hope to serve as many deserving organizations as possible.

Find out how to apply for government grants

Soon,  two grants will be available to certain New York nonprofits. Applications for both the state and federal grants must be submitted through the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Click here for their nonprofit grants page. Here are the details.

New York State Grants Gateway/Prequalification

New York State will not accept applications for grants unless the nonprofit applicant is prequalified, i.e., applicants must upload basic organizational documents and answer questions about their nonprofit’s capacity and integrity. This portal is known as the “Grants Gateway.”

  • New applicants. See JCRC-NY’s additional information about how to get started and special instructions for religious corporations at: /document-vault-faqs/.
  • Previously prequalified. If your nonprofit was previously prequalified, you will still have to update certain documents if your document vault “expires” (i.e, certain information goes out of date). Check out your Document Vault for more information.

Prequalification is not as hard as it may look, but it’s important to get started now! Your organization will not be able to apply unless you are prequalified.

New York State Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grants

New York State, committed to ensuring the safety and equal treatment of all New Yorkers, is launching a second round of the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program to boost safety and security at New York’s nonpublic schools, day care centers and cultural museums at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. In support of this effort, a total of $10.1 million in grant funding has been made available on a statewide basis.

  • Availability. Now.
  • Eligibility. Nonpublic schools (Preschool-12), nonprofit day care centers (including those housed in JCC’s and synagogues) and cultural museums that are at risk of hate crimes or attacks against their facilities because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. For the purpose of the grant, terrorism is included as a category of hate crime. Click here for the exact details on eligibility.
  • Maximum grant amount. Applications will be accepted for up to $50,000 per facility. Eligible organizations with multiple sites may submit up to three applications for a maximum total request of up to $150,000 allowed per organization.
  • What will the grant pay for?
    • Hardening the organization’s facility or facilities including recreational areas adjacent to the facility through exterior physical security enhancements; and/or
    • Providing security training that will advance the knowledge of security personnel and staff.
  • Deadline. Applications are due to Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services by 5:00 pm on December 19, 2018. Applications submitted past this date will be disqualified. Individual extensions will not be given.
  • Application form. Applicants must complete the DHSES Risk Evaluation Tool to describe the organization’s significant risk of a hate crime and its proposed equipment and training needs to prevent and protect against a hate crime.
  • Risk/Security/Threat Assessment. Applicants with a current or previously conducted (within three years) risk/security/threat assessment completed by a police department, private company or university should base their Risk Evaluation Tool submission on the information, analyses and findings contained in the risk/security/threat assessment(s). However, no assessment is required.
  • What are your chances? Last year, all of the eligible applicants that filed a complete application were awarded a grant.
  • Additional assistance. See JCRC-NY’s dedicated webpage at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations.

    • Availability. Sometime in Spring, 2019.
    • Eligibility. Nonprofit organizations in New York City, Long Island and Westchester that are determined to be at high risk of a terrorist attack by the Department of Homeland Security.
    • Maximum grant amount. Unknown. Last year the maximum was $150,000. The upcoming grant may place a $100,000 cap (or less) so that more organizations can be funded.
    • What will the grant pay for? Allowable costs are focused on target hardening and physical security enhancements. Funding can be used for the acquisition and installation of security equipment on real property (including buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization, specifically in prevention of and/or protection against the risk of a terrorist attack. This equipment is limited to select items in the following two categories of items on the Authorized Equipment List (AEL):
      • Physical Security Enhancement Equipment (Category 14)
      • Inspection and Screening Systems (Category 15)
      • Training. Allowable training topics are limited to the protection of critical infrastructure key resources, including physical and cybersecurity, target hardening, and terrorism awareness/employee preparedness including programs such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, Active Shooter training, and emergency first aid training. Training conducted using NSGP funds must address a specific threat and/or vulnerability, as identified in the nonprofit organization’s Investment Justification.
      • Planning. Funding may be used for security or emergency planning expenses and the materials required to conduct planning activities. Planning must be related to the protection of the facility and the people within the facility and should include with access and functional needs as well as those with limited English proficiency. Examples of planning activities allowable under this program include:
        • Development and enhancement of security plans and protocols;
        • Development or further strengthening of security assessments;
        • Emergency contingency plans;
        • Evacuation/Shelter-in-place plans; and
        • Other project planning activities with prior approval from DHS/FEMA.

Deadline. Unknown. It is unlikely that this grant will be offered until there is a federal budget in place.

Application form. Applicants must complete a spreadsheet called an Investment Justification. We assume that the 2019 Investment Justification will be similar to those used in previous years, so applicants thinking of applying for the federal grant should draft their answers using the 2018 form and cut and paste their responses into the 2019 form when it is released.

  • Risk/Security/Threat Assessment. The Investment Justification asks for findings from a “previously conducted risk assessment. The most useful risk assessments are from certified, independent security professionals, but police department crime prevention surveys and self assessments are acceptable.
  • What are your chances? Last year, 112 nonprofits in the New York area were awarded Nonprofit Security Grant Program grants and approximately twice that number applied.
  • Additional assistance. See JCRC-NY’s dedicated webpage at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants.

 

Hebrew Free Loan Society bridge loans for security grant recipients

The Hebrew Free Loan Society’s Security Grants Bridge Loan Program provides interest-free loans of up to $150,000 to Jewish Community agencies in any of New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island that have been awarded government grants to fund security improvements. These grants require agencies to pay up front for the work and then to submit receipts for reimbursement, which causes a cash flow problem for some agencies to the point that they are unable to take advantage of the award. HFLS is partnering with UJA-Federation of New York to provide interest-free bridge loan financing to ensure that grant awardees can proceed with the work necessary to increase security and safety for their community. Click here to learn more and here for the application.

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NSGP: The June 9th deadline is approaching

May 30, 2018

Note: The new deadline is June 8, 2018 at 5:00 PM

General information

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released its Notice of Funding Opportunity.

  • In FY 2018, Congress appropriated $50 million for nonprofit security through the Urban Area Security Initiative (NSGP-UA) for 32 regions, including New York City (including Long Island and Westchester). There is a supplemental program (NSGP-S) of $10 million (with grants up to $100,000) covering areas outside of the designated regions.
  • Each eligible organization can apply for equipment totaling $150,000.
  • Target hardening proposals can now include equipment, planning and training.
  • Should I apply to NSGP-UA or NSGP-S?
    If your nonprofit organization is physically located within a FY 2018 UASI-designated urban area, then you may apply to NSGP-UA; if your nonprofit organization is not physically located within a FY 2018 UASI-designated urban area then you may apply to NSGP-S. You may not apply to both programs. For more information about the NSGP-S (supplemental) program for organizations outside of the 32 designated areas, see the JFNA preliminary memorandum here.

NY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services materials

Help with grant applications

If you’ve read the materials on this webpage and still have questions? Click here.

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The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is here

May 22, 2018

 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released its Notice of Funding Opportunity yesterday. As expected the time frame will be quite narrow.  New York DHSES is getting final approvals on its Request for Applications. It will be available here. Our best guess is that the deadline will be in 2-3 weeks.

  • In FY 2018, Congress appropriated $50 million for nonprofit security through the Urban Area Security Initiative (NSGP-UA) for 32 regions, including New York City (including Long Island and Westchester). There is a supplemental program of $10 million.
  • Each eligible organization can apply for equipment totaling $150,000.
  • Target hardening proposals can now include equipment, planning and training.
  • For information about the NSGP-S (supplemental) program for organizations outside of the 32 designated areas, see the JFNA preliminary memorandum here.
  • See our presentation, with much more information here and our new help document Tying together the risk and target hardening language. See the information below for the next steps.

    CONFERENCE CALL FOR NONPROFIT OFFICIALS AND LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

    ·       Date:                           Thursday, May 24, 2018

    ·       Time:                          3:30 PM (EDT)

    ·       Call-In #:                    1-800-369-2127

    ·       Participant Passcode: 5804555

    ·       Adobe Connect Link: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/rs6yezjijsiv/

Getting started

The process and application is likely to be quite similar to last year’s RFA (Request for Applications) :

  • Prequalification. Plan to complete your prequalification ASAP. New York State will not accept applications for grants unless the applicant is prequalified, i.e., applicants must upload basic organizational documents and answer questions about their nonprofit’s capacity and integrity. This portal is known as the “Grants Gateway.”
    • New applicants. See JCRC-NY’s additional information about how to get started and special instructions for religious corporations at: /document-vault-faqs/. Updated
    • Previously prequalified. If your nonprofit was previously prequalified, you will still have to update certain documents if your document vault “expires” (i.e, certain information goes out of date). Check out your Document Vault for more information.
  • E-Grants. New York State applicants to both programs must submit all of their application package through the E-grants system. Download the E-Grants Registration and follow the instructions to obtain an account and password. The E-Grants Tutorial shows you how to get through the process.
  • Risk/vulnerability assessment. The federal grant requires organizations to submit an assessment and the state grant asks for much of the same information. Learn more about the options to get a risk assessment or to conduct one yourself here. Use this information to complete the “Vulnerability” section on the Investment Justification.
  • Look at the 2017 Investment Justification. Click here to see and download an example of what the application looks like. We expect very few changes. We will post the 2018 Invesment Justification as soon as it is available.
  • Learn about risk and threats.  Review JCRC-NY’s Selective Threat Scan for help on how to answer the questions on threats and consequences.
  • Equipment. Click here to see the Authorized Equipment List from 2017. We do not expect many changes.
  • Subscribe. Click here to add your name to the JCRC-NY Security and Emergency Preparedness Alert list, which will notify you about additional details when they become available.
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Great news: Omnibus Bill has $50M plus for nonprofit security grants

March 22, 2018

Congressional leaders posted the text of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (aka the Omnibus Bill)) last night. Its passage will keep the government operating for the remainder of the fiscal year. Included in the bill (besides the Taylor Force Act) is an allocation of $50 million (up from $25M) for the Nonprofit Security Grants Program (NSGP) and $10 million for nonprofits outside of the designated UASI regions (Good news for upstate and Connecticut institutions).

We won’t know when the application package will be available or the deadline for submission until the U.S. Department of Homeland Security releases its guidance. People always complain that they aren’t given enough time to complete their applications so we advise you to click to www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants and follow the instructions to get started now.

The projected increase in the grant allocation would not be possible without our Congressional champions. A major push for the $50 million came in a bipartisan “Dear Colleague” letter to the leadership of the House Appropriations Committee (including the Ranking Member, our own Rep. Nita Lowey) circulated by Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. and our own Dan Donovan, Jr. Our New York delegation figured prominently among the signers, including: Representatives Yvette Clarke, Joseph Crowley, Eliot Engel, Adriano Espaillat, John Faso, Hakeem Jeffries, John Katko, Peter King, Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks, Jerrold Nadler, Thomas Suozzi, Kathleen Rice, Claudia Tenney and Nydia Velázquez. Of course, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Democratic Leader Charles Schumer were helpful in the Senate. Please contact their offices to let them know that you appreciate their leadership.

JCRC-NY and UJA-Federation are key members of the dynamic coalition that pushes for this legislation year-after-year. The linchpin of this effort is Rob Goldberg of the Washington, DC office of the Jewish Federations of North America. Our friend, William Daroff, the senior vice president for public policy and director of the Washington office of The Jewish Federations of North America, plays an important role.

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Security Grants Updates

March 09, 2018

We continue to get the question, “When will the grant come out?” My standard answer is, “If you can tell me when the federal government will have a budget I might be able to answer that question.”

I am ​pleased to share with you an update from Rob Goldberg at the Jewish Federations of North America. Rob is the father of, and key advocate for, the NSGP.

Nearly six months into fiscal year 2018, action on the unfinished spending package is “possible” next week. The $1.3 trillion omnibus measure is due March 23.  There are still a few polarizing issues that need to be ironed out, particularly within the Labor-HHS-Education, Financial Services and Homeland Security measures due to a combination of policy and funding differences. With respect to homeland security the sticking points pertain to money for border security infrastructure (including “The Wall”) and budgeting for detention beds.

At this point, I believe that the House and Senate Homeland Security negotiators have reached agreement on NSGP spending levels.  While I do not know what level has been determined, I expect it will be somewhere between the $20 million set aside in the Senate HLS Committee’s draft bill and the $50 million approved by the House.  I note that we have been advocating very hard for the House levels.

As of today, we also do not know whether the House agreed to the Senate’s language to extend program eligibility to communities that reside outside of the current established high threat urban areas (as defined by the Urban Area Security Initiative).

​Our view is that if lightning strikes and the Omnibus Bill passes​, it will take DHS about a month to release its FY18 application guidelines, timelines ​(including the deadline for states to forward grant applications) ​and directives​. Then NY DHSES ​will need ​about a week to release its Request for Applications(around the end of April, beginning of May​?).  Last year NY applicants had nine days to complete their paperwork, but the due date depends on the deadline that DHS gives to the states. If the Omnibus Bill passes in March people will have more time than they did last year (best guess, 3-4 weeks), but we strongly advise that you get started now (see the information below​).

Many new applicants find that the most time-consuming step of the process is the Document Vault. We suggest that you plan to complete your Document Vault and get your assessment/survey finished before Passover.

New York State grant. The NY State Division of Homeland Security is currently reviewing the submissions for  the FY 2017-18 Securing Communities Against Hate Crime Program (SCAHC). They anticipate that they will notify the applicants of the results this month. All of the eligible applicants that appropriately and accurately responded to the Request for Applications are likely to receive grants.

Webinar. JCRC-NY will offer a webinar on completing the grant application package once the New York State Request for Applications is released.  We expect there will be few changes in the program (except for the possibility that nonprofits outside of the designated areas will be eligible) so you can click here to view our 2017 guidance to get started.

Getting started

The process and application is likely to be quite similar to last year’s RFA (Request for Applications) :

  • Prequalification. Plan to complete your prequalification before Passover. New York State will not accept applications for grants unless the applicant is prequalified, i.e., applicants must upload basic organizational documents and answer questions about their nonprofit’s capacity and integrity. This portal is known as the “Grants Gateway.”
    • New applicants. See JCRC-NY’s additional information about how to get started and special instructions for religious corporations at: /document-vault-faqs/.
    • Previously prequalified. If your nonprofit was previously prequalified, you will still have to update certain documents if your document vault “expires” (i.e, certain information goes out of date). Check out your Document Vault for more information.
  • E-Grants. New York State applicants to both programs must submit all of their application package through the E-grants system. Download the E-Grants Registration and follow the instructions to obtain an account and password. The E-Grants Tutorial shows you how to get through the process.
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Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program

October 24, 2017

New York State, committed to ensuring the safety and equal treatment of all New Yorkers, is launching the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program to boost safety and security at New York’s nonpublic schools, day care centers and cultural museums at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. In support of this effort, a total of $25 million in grant funding has been made available on a statewide basis and will be administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). Applications will be due on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 4PM. 
NYS DHSES will host a webinar is scheduled on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. to review the RFA and to highlight program requirements.

To access the webinar on November 6th, click the web-link and also call the conference line to hear the audio.

Web-link:  https://share.dhs.gov/nysscahc/

Call-in Information:
Dial-in Number: 1-857-232-0159
Conference Code: 852398

This webinar will be recorded and available here by close of business Wednesday, November 6th.

  • Funding. The NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services released a Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit proposals to support projects under the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program (SCAHC Program). Applications will be accepted for up to $50,000 per facility. Eligible organizations may submit up to three applications for a maximum total request of up to $150,000 allowed per organization. For purposes of this grant program a facility is defined as a standalone building, including the recreational areas adjacent to the building.
  • Eligibility. Organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) recognition and be:
    • a non-profit nonpublic school registered with the New York State Department of Education with a current Basic Educational Data System (BEDS code), or
    • a non-profit day care center or school-age child care program licensed and/or registered, respectively, by the Office of Children and Family Services; or a group day care center permitted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or enrolled group programs that are legally-exempt from the requirement to be licensed or registered by the Office of Children and Family Services, or
    • a non-profit cultural museum which is a building or site for the exhibition or promotion of arts and culture of a particular region or people.
  • The grant will pay for:
    • Equipment. Allowable equipment consists of, but is not limited to:
      • Perimeter lighting;
      • Door hardening;
      • Alarm systems;
      • Camera-based security systems;
      • Access control systems;
      • Perimeter fencing; barriers; bollards;
      • Blast resistant film for windows/shatter resistant glass.
    • Security training costs. The grant program allows for costs to train security personnel and other appropriate staff to prevent and protect against acts of hate crimes. All training will require prior DHSES approval and must be within the United States. Allowable training topics are limited to the protection of physical security and training that will advance the knowledge of security personnel and/or staff about:
      • hate crime activity;
      • suspicious behavior;
      • emergency evacuation procedures; and
      • similar topics that will secure the organization.
  • Forms
  • Prequalification. New York State requires nonprofits to prequalify before they submit grant applications. If you prequalified for the federal grant, simply check to make sure that the documents in your Document Vault have not expired. If you are not prequalified you should register at https://grantsgateway.ny.gov/ & complete their Document Vault . See JCRC-NY’s additional information at: /document-vault-faqs/.
  • Other submissions. All of the required documents must be submitted via the E-Grants system and must include the following documents within, or as attachments to the E-Grants system:
    1. Contact Information (see the E-Grants tutorial);
    2. Proposed Project Workplan Information (see the E-Grants tutorial);
    3. Budget Request Information (see the E-Grants tutorial);
    4. A color, ground-level photo of the front façade of the facility and/or
      recreational area, which is labeled with the name and address of the
      facility (submitted as an attachment in E-Grants)
    5. Status History Report from Grants Gateway website showing
      prequalification status (Submitted as an attachment in E-Grants)
    6. DHSES Risk Evaluation Tool (Similar to the NSGP’s Investment Justification and submitted as an attachment in E-Grants)
    7. Letter on organization’s letterhead indicating the BEDS code; a copy of the license and/or registration issued by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services or permit issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; if enrolled legally exempt, the Notice of Enrollment (Submitted as an attachment in E-Grants).

JCRC-NY will be providing additional guidance in the future.

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Nonprofit Security Grant: Last minute FAQ’s

June 09, 2017

Applications Due by June 12, 2017, 11:59 pm. We know that many of you are busy trying to finish up the work while facing a crazy deadline. Here are some last minute tips:

Technical problems

  • Prequalification/Document Vault. To those of you who are still trying to upload everything into your Document Vault: If you get a message that says that your Document Vault was  sent back for modifications, that something is wrong with it. Check it out the report and fix whatever is missing or incomplete. Too many people are just resubmitting it “as is”.  The Grants Gateway staff is working overtime to try to prequalify everyone who completes the work. Please don’t waste their time.
  • Faulty Investment Justification template. Our friends in Washington, DC initially sent Albany a problematic file. If you downloaded a form Monday morning and are having trouble entering information, simply download another here.

Investment Justification FAQ’s

  • Tips. Don’t know how to answer a question? See our suggestions here and from JFNA here.
  • Threats. Remember, you are told to “discuss findings from risk assessment, police findings, and/or insurance claims at the location where the physical security enhancements will be installed.”
    • Cite you risk assessment and the author’s credentials (e.g., an industry certification like CPP, police department, etc.).
    • Mention mail, telephonic or electronic threats, negative graffiti or vandalism at your facility or those nearby.
    • If your risk assessment doesn’t cite the key threats, note that the updated National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin concludes that “specific attack tactics have included the use of vehicle ramming, small arms, straight-edged blades or knives, and homemade explosives, as well as other acts such as taking hostages.”
  • Tell a story.
    • Vulnerability. Your risk assessment informs you about what can go wrong. Your risk assessment should itemize your vulnerability. For example: “The main entrance, fire egress doors and internal doors will not withstand a forced entry attack or limit unauthorized persons from accessing interior areas of the building” or “Electronic access control systems are not utilized to support authorized-only accessibility within and throughout the building and the system does not have an emergency lockdown feature. Much of the building is interconnected and once entry has been made into the building, an attacker can reach most other areas of the facility.” Choose to address your high priority vulnerabilities with this grant.
    • Target hardening.  Your improvements must address identified threats or vulnerabilities. So, using the “Door” vulnerability  the recommendation is: “To limit unauthorized persons from pushing in and/or breaking through the main entrance, it is recommended that these doors and their related framings, hinges, closing hardware, glass panels, walls, ceiling and locking systems be modified to be forced entry resistant. The installation and proper use of impact resistant doors might deter an attack, might deny an intruder entry, should delay his/her entry, thereby  mitigating the injuries and damage from an attack.” The second section of Target Hardening requires the AEL code and description (14SW-01-DOOR | Doors and Gates, Impact Resistant), a simple reference to your vulnerability section (e.g., Vulnerable Doors), and a cost estimate.
  • Costs. You don’t have to get bids during the application process. However, if you are awarded a grant and find that you need to modify your plan you must receive permission from NYS DHSES and they must have it approved by DHS.
  • Impact. Confused about “measurable outputs and outcomes”? See our tips or our webpage.

Finishing up

  • EGrants. Remember, your entire application package must be submitted via E-Grants.
    • Don’t wait for the last minute! If you have questions (If you have a problem: DHSES can be reached at 1-866-837-9133 or  Grant.Info@dhses.ny.gov) you might not be able to get an answer right away due to the onrush of questions. Allocate enough time for things to go wrong.
    • Use the E-Grants tutorial.  We open the E-Grants document in one window and the tutorial in another. Then, we simultaneously scroll through the tutorial and the E-Grants forms and fill in the blanks with whatever the tutorial recommends.
  • Checklist. Sorry, we’re too busy to produce our fancy checklist this year. The RFA explains “To be considered for funding, eligible nonprofit organization must submit a complete application using the State’s Electronic Grants (E-Grants) System (Click on the link if you don’t have an E-Grants Registration account).
    • Investment Justification Template (Submitted as an attachment in E-Grants)
    • Contact Information (Section of E-Grants)
    • Proposed Project Workplan Information (Section of E-Grants)
    • Budget Request Information (Section of E-Grants)
    • Certification to Accept the Assurances (Section of E-Grants)
    • Status History report from Grants Gateway website showing prequalification status (Submitted as an attachment in E-Grants)
    • Signed and notarized Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire (Submitted as an Attachment in E-Grants)
    • Mission Statement (Submitted as an attachment in E-Grants)
    • Threat and/or vulnerability assessment, if installing equipment at more than one location, assessments must be submitted for each location (Submitted as an attachment in E-Grants)
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