Updated: Nonprofit Grants Announcement

May 21, 2013

FY 2013 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

Key Dates and Time 

This is why we suggested that you start your work. The application window will be very short. Download the preliminary PDF version by clicking FY 2013 NSGP Investment Justification Template and get going now! N.B. It’s a PDF document, you will have to copy your answers into the official Excel spreadsheet which will be available on the NY DHSES website when they post the application package no later than Tuesday, 05/28/2013.

  • Application Start Date: In New York the NY DHSES needs to obtain certain clearances as required by the NY State contracting process before posting the application packet. It will be available no later than 05/28/2013. Click here to look at the NY DHSES website to see if the application package is posted.)
  • Application Submission Deadline Date: In New York,  the deadline will be June 10th.
  • E-Grants registration. New York  applicants must submit their grants through the E-Grants system. If you have a E-Grants account and remember your information you need not do anything else. If you need to be reminded of your account name and/or password, send a note to grants@dhses.ny.gov.  New applicants must fill out an E-Grants Registration  available in two formats: doc pdf
  • Mission statement. We are in the process of reviewing the guidance. Thus far, we’ve noticed one change: a requirement that applicants submit their “mission statements.” If your organization does not have a mission statement we will post some samples by next week at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants.
  • Eligibility. You must be a 501(c)(3) organization located in an eligible area. New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester are eligible. No other counties in New York are eligible. For other states click here.
  • Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 08/02/2013
  • Anticipated Award Date: 09/30/2013

Total Funding Available in FY 2013: $10,000,000

Purpose: The FY 2013 NSGP provides support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and located within one of the specific UASI-eligible Urban Areas.  While this funding is provided specifically to high-risk nonprofit organizations under The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2013 (Public Law 113-6), the program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader State and local preparedness efforts.  It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as State and local government agencies.

The FY 2013 NSGP plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System (NPS) as detailed in Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) by supporting the development and sustainment of core capabilities.  Core capabilities are essential for the execution of each of the five mission areas outlined in the National Preparedness Goal (NPG).  The development and sustainment of these core capabilities are not exclusive to any single level of government or organization, but rather require the combined effort of the whole community.  The FY 2013 NSGP supports all core capabilities in the Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery mission areas based on allowable costs.

Eligible Applicants: The State Administrative Agency (SAA) is the only entity eligible to apply to FEMA for NSGP funds on behalf of eligible nonprofit organizations (as described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).  Eligible nonprofit organizations determined to be at high risk of a terrorist attack due to their ideology, beliefs or mission and located within one of the designated FY 2013 UASI-eligible Urban Areas must apply for funding through their SAA.

Program Awards: FY 2013 NSGP funds will be allocated based on risk analysis, effectiveness, and integration with broader state and local preparedness efforts.  Each nonprofit organization may apply through their SAA for up to a $75,000 grant award.

Additional Information

  • FY 2013 NSGP Funding Opportunity Announcement
  • FY 2013 NSGP Fact Sheet
  • FY 2013 NSGP Investment Justification Template
  • FY 2013 NSGP Scoring Worksheet (to be completed by the SAA only)
Last Updated:
05/21/2013 – 10:48

A peek at the NSGP guidance

May 09, 2013

Rumor has it that the Nonprofit Security Grant Program guidance will be released on or about May 25th, but that’s just a rumor. If past experience holds, New York organizations will receive 40-50 grants.

In preparation for the announcement, the Grants Division of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency prepared the following for its constituents. Their advice closely tracks JCRC’s advice: start your process with the steps below (adapted for NY). Of course the official guidance the the final word on the program.


Interim Guidance

The FY2013 Federal Budget for DHS/FEMA includes $10,000,000 for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) – the same amount as last year, which is to provide funding to eligible nonprofit entities in major urban areas for physical security upgrades. [The allocation will be further reduced by about 5% due to sequestration.]

Due to significant delays in Congress approving the federal budget this year, the grant guidance and application package for the FY2013 NSGP has not yet been released by DHS/FEMA. However we anticipate that the grant application package will be released in mid to late May, and that applications will be due very quickly after that.

For that reason, we encourage all interested applicants to begin preparing for the short application turn-around time by gathering together the necessary information as soon as possible.

The application template has not yet been released by DHS/FEMA, but based on prior year grant guidance, the following information will likely be requested – prospective applicants should begin putting this information together now in order to have it ready for the 2013 application (see the 2012 Investment Justification/application here).

NOTE: In all prior years, the NY Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has been the sole “applicant” to DHS/FEMA on behalf of all of the applications submitted by the individual nonprofit subgrantees. Our assumption is that this will remain the same in 2013.

    1. Determine if your organization is eligible
      1. Must be a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization
      2. Must be located within a designated high-threat urban area [Still to be determined by DHS/FEMA, but the list from last year included NYC, Long Island and Westchester and can be seen here]
    2. Find your organization’s existing Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS) or get one by calling (866-705-5711)
      1. Note – you should not have to register with the Central Contracting Registration (CCR), as long as NY DHSES is the sole applicant on behalf of the designated area.
    3. Determine what your organization’s “risk” is, describing it in three concise categories:
      1. Threat. What potential terrorist threats do your organization face?
      2. Vulnerability. Based on the threats described, how vulnerable is your organization to that threat (how likely is it to succeed?) and why?
      3. Consequence. If the treat described above actually occurs, what impact would it have in terms of human casualties, property damage, and community impact?
    4. Propose a project that could mitigate the “risk” described above. [In recent years the Federal portion of the grant has been capped at $75,0000]
      1. The proposed project should directly address the threat, vulnerability or consequence described.
      2. The proposed costs must only be in the following categories described in FEMA’s Authorized Equipment List (AEL).
        1. Category 14 – Physical Security Enhancement Equipment
        2. Category 15 – Inspection and Screening Systems
        3. The link above provides an expandable list underneath those two categories – please ensure that all proposed costs can clearly be linked to specific equipment sub-items in category 14 and/or 15
        4. The proposed project budget should identify all costs (under categories 14 and 15) and add up to the total amount requested. [Federal amount, plus any additional amount provided through other sources]
        5. The proposed project should have a high-level timeline (assume sub-grant award by Sept. 01 2013, and a period of performance of no more than 21 months). Include at least 90 days in your timeline for Environmental/Historic Preservation (EHP) approval. [The award should be announced no later than September 30, 2013]

Any progress a potential applicant can make in addressing the items listed above should be able to be plugged directly into the FY2013 NSGP application template when it becomes available. With a shortened application timeframe, getting started now will help ensure timely submission of applications.

When the 2013 NSGP application package becomes available, the NY DHSES should provide the materials here.

Patience: There will be a 2013 Nonprofit Security Grant Program

May 03, 2013

Timing: Yes, everyone is frustrated and we still don’t know when US DHS will release the guidance document for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Best guess: third of fourth week of May. New York DHSES will release its application documents soon thereafter. As soon as the guidance is released we will schedule a training session.

What you can do now: If you are thinking of applying for a grant we strongly suggest that you have all of the materials for your Investment Justification (your vulnerability assessment and the answers to the questions on the 2012 Investment Justification) ready to submit when the New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services releases the official Request for Applications. We will alert you regarding any changes in the 2013 Investment Justification and you will be able to easily cut and past your answers into the 2013 spreadsheet.

Any changes in the status of the grants will be posted in the JCRC-NY Security and Emergency Planning Blog. Click here to subscribe to the JCRC-NY Security and Emergency Preparedness Alert list in order to receive ongoing alerts and updates, including information on grants.

Hope for a security grant program in 2013

March 14, 2013

After conferring with the staffs of key members of both chambers on both sides of the aisle, we are cautiously optimistic that there will another round of grants this year. The efforts to renew the grant program are led by the Washington office of the JCPA. William Daroff, Rob Goldberg, Ron Soloway of UJA-Federation of NY and David Pollock of JCRC-NY attended a whirlwind round of meetings in Washington, DC.

Our group learned that Senate Appropriations Chair, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, hammered out a Continuing Resolution, together with her ranking Republican, Sen. Richard Shelby, that included $10 million dollars for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. As written, the funding will be subject to sequestration (about a 5.1% reduction), but that DHS/FEMA could not redirect the funding elsewhere. At this time, we understand that the Senate Continuing Resolution was carefully preconferenced (negotiated) with the House and arguably should be adopted with few changes. However, trouble always seems to find the House and Senate and procedural hurdles and the amendment process could get in the way.

If there is a 2013 program the application period might be very short, e.g., 2 weeks. If you are thinking of applying for a grant we strongly suggest that you check out our Security Grant Assistance Page because we expect that there will be minimal changes in the application process. Have all of the materials for your Investment Justification (your vulnerability assessment and the answers to the questions on the 2012 Investment Justification) ready to submit before Congress acts. If a new round of grants is announced you will be able to quickly determine any changes in the 2013 Investment Justification and merely cut and past your answers into the 2013 spreadsheet.

 

Schumer, Gillibrand on Homeland Security grants.

July 10, 2012

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE OVER $3.4 MILLION TO IMPROVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR 42 AT RISK JEWISH SCHOOLS AND CONGREGATIONS

Schumer and Gillibrand Secured over 30% Of Total Funding For Organizations Based in New York Out of the Total $10 Million Granted to Awardees Across the Country

The Awardees Include 42 Jewish Educational Institutions and Congregations; The Money Will Help These At-Risk Nonprofits For Security Preparedness

Schumer, Gillibrand: These Schools and Congregations are Vital Parts of our Community – the Grant Money Will Go To a Good Cause

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that 42 New York Jewish organizations, including schools and congregations, have received a combined total of $3,419,184 for the 2012 fiscal year as Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Awardees. The program, run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, awards federal funds to nonprofit organizations that are at a high risk of a national terrorist attack to encourage preparedness efforts.

Read More Schumer, Gillibrand on Homeland Security grants.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program 2012 announced

February 21, 2012

On February 17th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its guidance for a number of preparedness grant programs, including the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Program Overview and Priorities
The FY 2012 NSGP provides $10,000,000 in funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and located within one of the specific UASI-eligible Urban Areas. While this funding is provided specifically to high-risk nonprofit organizations under The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, Division D (Public Law 112-74), the program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader State and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as State and local government agencies.

JCRC comments: Congress cut the allocations of many DHS grant programs this year and the NSGP was cut from $19 million to $10 million (i.e., below the average cut). That translates to approximately 150 successful grantees nationwide. New York generally receives between 25-30% of the grants. New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties are in a UASI-eligible Urban Area; as is Newark, NJ.

In FY 2012, the total amount of funds distributed under this grant program will be $10,000,000. Each nonprofit organization must apply through their SAA (in New York, the New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services [DHSES])for up to a $75,000 grant award. The FY 2012 NSGP funds will be allocated to organizations characterized as “Section 501(c)(3)” organizations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.) and deemed at high risk by the Secretary of DHS. Such nonprofit organizations must be located within one of the designated FY 2012 UASI-eligible Urban Areas.

JCRC comments: The maximum grant amount and the geographic eligibility remain the same as last year. Organizations not having received prior years’ NSGP funding will receive a bonus point during scoring.

Approximate timing
DHSES has not yet determined the exact dates. Their guidance is likely to be released during the first week of March and be due mid-April. Start now, there is no reason to wait.

What should you be doing now?
The JCRC is in the process of updating our guidance materials based on the new grant materials at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants, but the changes seem to be minor. The most important components continue to be:

  • “Findings from previously conducted risk assessments including threat or vulnerability”; and
  • “Identification and substantiation (e.g., police reports or insurance claims) of prior threats or attacks against the nonprofit organization or closely related organizations (within or outside the U.S.) by a terrorist organization, network, or cell.”

Make sure that your vulnerability assessment is up to date. Get more information about vulnerability assessments from www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants.

The links at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants are customized for the 2011 grant, but there seem to be only minor changes this year. Check back often for updates.

Kudos to the movers and shakers. The fact that there is a FY2012 program is due to the ongoing work and incredible professionalism of a coalition, led by The Jewish Federations of North America/JFNA (with JCRC and UJA-Federation playing active roles) and its Senior Director, Legislative Affairs, Rob Goldberg. The JFNA Washington Office, directed by William Daroff, is the lynchpin in this process and deserves our collective thanks.

We owe a special debt of gratitude to those dedicated public servants who actually administer the grants and answer our questions, especially Shelley Wahrlich, Steve Tierney and Valerie Bloomer. This program could not be successful without their dedication, patience and expertise.

First look: Nonprofit Security Grant guidlines: 2011

May 19, 2011
  1. Timing. The US Department of Homeland Security released its guidance for the 2011 Nonprofit Security Grant Program and applications from nonprofit organizations are due to be submitted to state authorities by 11:59 PM on June 9, 2011. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYS DHSES) and the lead agencies in other states may be able to slightly alter the due date, but that remains to be determined.
  2. New webinar date. The JCRC has sponsored trainings annually and those following the JCRC suggestions have a high success rate. The information provided will include tips on how to complete the Investment Justification and an introduction to the New York E-Grant application process.The JCRC webinar will now be scheduled for Monday, May 23rd at 1PM. We will assume that all who reserved for the old date will join us for this online webinar. Based on input from past participants, we are offering this session exclusively over the internet. Information applicable to all eligible applicants will be presented at the beginning of the webinar, followed by NY-specific guidance. You can reserve here.
  3. Eligibility. This year, DHS reduced the number of eligible urban areas (31 eligible Urban Areas in 2011 vs. 64 in 2010). New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties remain eligible, other counties in New York State are not eligible. For a complete list click here.
  4. Non-recipients will have an advantage. The most significant change this coming year is that preference will be given to nonprofit organizations that have not received prior years’ funding. That doesn’t mean that past grantees cannot apply. However, they will be at a slight competitive disadvantage.
  5. No local match required this year. The local match (25% of total project costs) will remain voluntary for FY2011. This voluntary nature will be neutral in the scoring process. Making the contribution will not create a preference, and declining to contribute will not count against an application. However, where a local match can be made, it should be made, as it will save limited resources and enable additional applicants to secure grants.
  6. Equipment. The Authorized Equipment List seems to be the same as last year. Check it out here.
  7. Citizen Corps Council. Once again nonprofit applicants are required to join the Citizen Corps Council. NYC OEM is trying to streamline the process as much as possible.Organizations wishing to join the Communication Network should visit www.NYC.gov/citizencorps and click on the link for the Communication Network. Any questions can be sent to Justin Land at citizencorps@oem.nyc.gov or by phone at 718-422-8902. We are in the process of confirming the how to apply Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester.
  8. New Investment Justification form. This year applicants will be required to use a specific MS Excel 2003 Template. The Template does not seem to be posted at this time, but you can learn more about it here.

We are continuing to review the official guidance for more information. New York State applicants should rely on the official application package published by NYS DHSES. For further information contact Dov Horwitz at horwitzd@jcrcny.org. You may obtain FY2010 guidance from the JCRC at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants and the Jewish Federations of North America at: www.jewishfederations.org/homelandsecurity.

May 11th arrests reinforce need for heightened vigilance

May 13, 2011
Media outlets report the arrest of two individuals allegedly engaged in a terror plot in New York. See the NY Post article here. Law enforcement officials have not yet released details, but the article states: “One source said the man was trying to buy a handgun and talked about attacking a synagogue.” The NYPD is providing special attention to Jewish institutions.  We are grateful to the Mayor and the NYPD for their ongoing concern and efforts to keep all New Yorkers safe.
Harden your target now. The suspects have been described as “lone wolves.” The NYPD has cataloged over 50 cases of Americans who were radicalized to acts of violence and/or conspiracies over the last 30 months. This case may add to the total and those responsible for Jewish institutions should review their security precautions and introduce steps to ensure heightened awareness. The JCRC Security Resources webpage (www.jcrcny.org/securityresources) has guidelines and practical solutions on how to detect hostile surveillance and how to tighten your access systems.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program
. The US Department of Homeland Security’s 2011 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) will be opening soon, allowing nonprofits to apply for up to $75,000 for target hardening measures such as security hardware and related training. The JCRC-NY will provide a free webinar training detailing the specifics of the grant and the application process. The webinar will be held on Monday, May 23rd, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm and is accessible from any internet capable computer. Please click http://bit.ly/JCRCNPSGWebinar to RSVP to receive login information. The JCRC-NY has hosted trainings annually and those following the JCRC-NY’s suggestions have had a high success rate. Get more information on the grants at the JCRC Security Grants website (/securitygrants).

Ongoing threat.
In the aftermath of the killing of Bin Laden we should remember:

  • Anti-Semitism is a core component of militant-Jihadist ideology;
  • Anti-Semitism is a common tool in the radicalization process;
  • Jewish-affiliated targets may be preferable for less sophisticated terrorists; and
  • Jewish institutions may not be priority targets, but may become secondary targets or targets of convenience.

Feel free to contact David Pollock at (pollockd@jcrcny.org or 212. 983.4800, ext 132) or Dov Horwitz at (horwitzd@jcrcny.org or 212 983.4800, ext. 129) if you need more information.

NSPG release postponed; JCRC webinar postponed, too

May 05, 2011
  1. New release date. The release date (official commencement of the grant cycle) for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) guidelines is now tentatively  set for Tuesday, May 17th (not May 9th as previously reported). The US Department of Homeland Security sends these e sent to the states (i.e., NY Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and its sister agencies in other states) on this date. Each state must set deadlines and decide on the application process. 
  2. New webinar date. The JCRC has sponsored trainings annually and those following the JCRC suggestions have a high success rate. The information provided will include tips on how to complete the Investment Justification and an introduction to the New York E-Grant application process.The JCRC webinar will now be scheduled for Monday, May 23rd at 1PM. We will assume that all who reserved for the old date will join us for this online webinar. Based on input from past participants, we are offering this session exclusively over the internet. Information applicable to all eligible applicants will be presented at the beginning of the webinar, followed by NY-specific guidance. You can reserve here 
  3. Non-recipients will have an advantage. The most significant change this coming year is that preference will be given to nonprofit organizations that have not received prior years’ funding. That doesn’t mean that past grantees cannot apply. However, they will be at a competitive disadvantage.
  4. No local match this year. The local match (25% of total project costs) will remain voluntary for FY2011. This voluntary nature will be neutral in the scoring process. Making the contribution will not create a preference, and declining to contribute will not count against an application. However, where a local match can be made, it should be made, as it will save limited resources and enable additional applicants to secure grants.
  5. Only slight changes in eligible areas. The number of eligible areas (64 in FY2010) is expected to change slightly. However, it should not be significantly different than in past cycles (as was the concern of some in the field. Exact eligibility requirements will not be known until after the release date.
  6. Get started now. With a delay in the release of the guidelines we can expect that much more of a shorter application period. As such, we continue to advise interested agencies to draft proposals, now, based on the FY2010 guidance, and to make modifications as necessary once the FY2011 guidance is in place. Get information about the Investment Justification (the core component of your application) and download the form from last year here.

All of the information above is tentative, pending the release of the official guidance. For further information contact Dov Horwitz at horwitzd@jcrcny.org. You may obtain FY2010 guidance from the JCRC at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants and the Jewish Federations of North America at: www.jewishfederations.org/homelandsecurity.