Nonprofit Security Grants Archives - Page 7 of 7

May 19, 2011August 2, 2020

First look: Nonprofit Security Grant guidlines: 2011

May 19, 2011

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Equipment. The Authorized Equipment List seems to be the same as last year. Check it out here.
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.
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 13, 2011July 7, 2015

JCRC commends Mayor, NYPD and DA in Terror Arrests

May 13, 2011

JCRC President Alan S. Jaffe and Executive Vice President & CEO Michael S. Miller said in a statement:

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) highly commends Mayor Michael Bloomberg, NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance on the interception and arrest of two would-be terrorists from Queens, New York.

The New York Police Department performed expertly and heroically to prevent what would likely have been a vicious attack on a synagogue and members of the Jewish community resulting in death and destruction. We hail their professionalism.

The JCRC-NY has emailed a Security Alert to hundreds of Jewish institutions in the metropolitan area urging the heightening of vigilance, the review of security precautions and the tightening of access systems.

Anti-semitism is a core component of militant-Jihadist ideology, and we call on the federal government to continue and increase its effective Nonprofit Security Grant Program to assist non-profits and religious institutions for target security hardening measures.

May 13, 2011July 7, 2015

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.

May 5, 2011June 22, 2017

NSPG release postponed; JCRC webinar postponed, too

May 05, 2011

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

May 2, 2011June 12, 2017

Heighten awareness, register for nonprofit grant seminar

May 02, 2011

Jewish organizations should have heightened awareness in light of the current situation.
Start your Nonprofit Security Grant application now, the application period is likely to be shortened.
Grant training webinar scheduled for Thursday, May 12th.

Get more info at: /securitygrants

Law enforcement and Homeland Security officials are counseling that Americans should heighten their awareness regarding possible terrorist activity. All organizations should do so. For more information on basic security click here.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) offers a competitive grant to eligible nonprofit organizations planning to install hardware and conduct training to support target hardening and counter-surveillance.

The program this year was delayed (along with many other allocations) by the budget battle and details about the grant program have not yet been released. For the latest suggestions on how to put together a successful application reserve here for the online JCRC webinar (see below) on May 12th at 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

The following includes the current available information:

Announcement of details. DHS tentatively scheduled the release of their guidance to the state agencies on May 9th. Those agencies, including the NY Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) will prepare their Request for Applications as soon as they reasonably can.
A shortened application period is likely. DHS will not announce when the states’ applications will be due until they release their guidance. However, many have speculated that the application period will be shortened, possibly to 30 days. Nonprofits wishing to apply for FY2011 Nonprofit Security Grants should start working on their application immediately.
The Investment Justification. DHS indicates that the core of the application, the Investment Justification, will not be significantly different from last year’s. Download the Investment Justification from last year and begin to prepare answers to those questions ASAP. This year the Investment Justification will be in a MS Excel format. You will be able to paste your answers into the new DHS template.
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.
JCRC grant trainings.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 application process.

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.

For further information contact Dov Horwitz at horwitzd@jcrcny.org.

Note that all of this information is tentative. The JCRC webpage (www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants) will have ongoing guidance.

April 15, 2011June 22, 2017

More info on Nonprofit Security Grant Program

April 15, 2011

Thanks to the great work of Rob Goldberg we have some preliminary information from DHS.

DHS currently expects to release the guidance to the state on May 9th. The DHSES staff (aka our friends in Albany) will then put out the Request For Applications just as soon as they reasonably can.
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 can not apply. However, they will be at a competitive disadvantage.
We do not yet know when the applications will be due. We continue to advise you to download the Investment Justification from last year and to begin to prepare answers to those questions ASAP. This year the Investment Justification will be in MS Excel format. You will be able to paste your answers into the new DHS template.

Note that all of this information is tentative. The JCRC webpage (www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants) will have ongoing guidance. The JCRC plans to hold a webinar on the grant guidance soon after it is released.

March 17, 2011June 12, 2017

Another stopgap measure? Draft your responses now.

March 17, 2011

Pressure is growing in Congress for House and Senate leaders to resolve their differences on a long-term spending bill for FY2011.

The sixth and likely final short-term stop-gap spending measure (Continuing Resolution) for FY2011 is expected to be approved and signed into law by the President by the end of this week. It will remain in effect until April 8^th.

The parties appear to be about $30 billion apart on spending cuts for FY2011. They will need to bridge this gap during the 3 weeks allotted for in the CR. Once the President signs the bill there probably will be an abbreviated application period for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. We are, therefore, advising interested communities and institutions to take advantage of the pending 3-week period to complete or update required risk assessments and to draft initial application responses, utilizing last year’s (FY2010) program guidance. We want to ensure that people optimize their drafting time and minimize the potential down time that might occur during the Passover Holiday.

The Jewish Federations of North America and JCRC have both established web sites with last year’s guideline materials for your immediate use. We shall update these materials and post new ones, as additional details regarding the specific FY2011 guidelines become available. Modifications can always be made to draft applications once the FY2011 guidelines are published by the Department of Homeland Security.

To link to our web page, go to: www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants and/org www.jewishfederations.org/homelandsecurity.

March 10, 2011July 7, 2015

Still no budget, still no grant process

March 10, 2011

Rob Goldberg’s latest budget and appropriations activities update:

The current fiscal year (FY2011) budget remains unfinished — a delay of nearly 6 months and counting. Until the process is completed, the Department of Homeland Security will not commence the next round of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Through the current temporary spending measure that is in place, which expires on March 18, the NSGP program is being funded at $19 million. However, this amount could change as the process remains fluid.

Once the FY2011 appropriations are finalized for FY2011, we expect that the Department of Homeland Security will move within 30 days to implement the state and local grant programs at whatever levels of funding are allocated, including the NSGP program. At this speed, it would be prudent for likely applicants to have the required vulnerability assessments completed ahead of time. Attached is a memo that provides information on the scope of eligible equipment (target hardening improvements and training) permitted as of FY2010, and the critical risk-related information/details that should be incorporated into the risk assessment, for grant drafting and scoring purposes.

Budget/Appropriations Update:

The Senate voted yesterday on 2 versions of a year-end funding measure (Continuing Resolution or CR) for FY2011. One, the House-passed Republican proposal (HR 1), would cut nearly $60 billion in spending. The other, a Senate Democratic proposal, would cut less than $5 billion. Both measures were rejected, as expected. The GOP bill failed 44-56 and the Democratic alternative was defeated 42-58. These were intended at test votes to jump start negotiations.

By rejecting the House bill and with difficult negotiations ahead, the House is preparing another short term Continuing Resolution, which will be posted tomorrow. The draft is expected to extend federal government operations for another 3 week period and include $6 billion in discretionary spending cuts. The cuts would add to the $4 billion in cuts already made in the current CR, adding further budget distance between the parties and the chambers.

Earlier this week, the Administration indicated that the President would not support more than one additional short term funding extension, adding the prospect for a government shut down should Congress fail to finalize FY2011 appropriations over the next month. The President supports substantial spending cuts, but is publicly vague on the specifics of the cuts he would support.

Moving forward, Senate Democrats are expected to press for broadening the cuts to include mandatory spending programs, as well as revenue increasing measures. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), has dismissed these strategies.

February 15, 2011June 25, 2018

Nonprofit Security Grant Update III

February 15, 2011

Rob Goldberg of the Washington Office of JFNA explains:

As many of you know, the President published his budget recommendations for the fiscal year 2012 budget cycle, which begins October 1^st. With this measure, Congress commences its consideration of the budget and appropriations processes for the session. Meanwhile, Congress has not yet completed work on the current FY2011 appropriations, leaving the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in limbo (along with many other federally funded programs).

Consequently, the federal government, since October 1, 2010, has been operating under temporary spending measures called Continuing Resolutions (CRs). The current CR expires on March 4^th. Ahead of this deadline, Republican leaders of the House of Representatives have drafted a long-term CR that they will bring to the floor for consideration this week. The CR would fund the federal government for the remaining 7 months of the fiscal year at nearly $60 billion below actual FY2010 spending levels and at $100 billion below the President’s budget request for FY2011. The draft CR, in conjunction with an earlier CR that expired in December 2010, would fund the Nonprofit Security Program at $19 million. This is the same amount we were able to secure for the program in FY2010, and $5 million above the FY2009 funding level.

The draft CR is expected to pass the House when it comes to a vote. However, it is also believed that the measure will receive stiff opposition from the Democratic majority when it reaches the Senate body. In the event that the Senate passes a widely disparate version of the CR that cannot be easily reconciled with the House body, or the Senate simply fails to pass the CR at all, Congress will face a significant dilemma. It will have to agree to pass an additional short term CR that would provide more time for a consensus measure to be reached between the chambers, or it will face the possibility of allowing for a government shut down when the current CR expires on March 4^th. Often under such time pressures, Congress finds the comity necessary to achieve workable solutions. In this case, the FY2011 funding impasse presents an early and potentially devastating challenge for the newly divided Congress to overcome.

So, the fate of the NSGP allocation for FY2011 remains tide to the overall resolution of the outstanding appropriations process for FY2011, under conditions where a showdown in Congress is expected in a matter of days. We will continue to work to ensure that the NSGP allocation remains in tact, in accordance with our significant efforts to protect federal social services funding streams of critical importance to the Federation movement.

December 17, 2009July 7, 2015

JCRC Testifies at NYS Nonprofit Security Hearing

December 17, 2009

JCRC Associate Executive Director David Pollock appeared at a hearing on December 15th and commented on the Non-Profit Homeland Security Preparedness Study currently being conducted by the New York State Office of Homeland Security. He observed that, “. . . creating a culture of security and preparedness at Jewish organizations must be a priority. I must report that the results are decidedly mixed, ranging from indifference and denial on one extreme, to remarkable engagement on the other. Security is sometimes costly and inevitably inconvenient. Institutions with a culture of security and preparedness readily make the sacrifice and take the appropriate measures. Most organizations “get it”, and have taken identifiable steps to safeguard themselves, their constituencies and their physical assets. However, too many have done too little. Everyone need more help.” Read the full testimony here.

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