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Nonprofits with high security risks may benefit from new federal grant program

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Written by Staff Monday, 01 December 2008

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the availability of $15 million nationally to support target-hardening activities for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The application process for the grant program will be coordinated locally through the Austin Urban Area Security Initiative.

In Texas, this program is administered by the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, which serves as the State Administrative Agency for homeland security grant funds.

Nonprofits that will be considered for these grant funds must meet the following criteria:

Identification/substantiation (e.g., police reports or insurance claims) of prior threats/attacks against the applicant or related organizations (within or outside the U.S.) by a terrorist organization, network or cell.

Symbolic value of the site as a highly recognized national/historical institution.

Role of the organization in responding to or recovering from terrorist attacks.

Findings from previously conducted risk assessments including threat, vulnerability or consequence.

Nonprofit organizations that meet eligibility requirements can visit the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at www.cityofaustin.org/oem/uasi.htm to receive more information and download the guidance and application for the grants.

Each organization may apply for up to $72,750. There is a 25 percent match requirement (cash or in-kind) for those selected.

"This is a unique opportunity for nonprofits to protect themselves and their assets so they can continue to assist the communities they serve," said Otis J. Latin, Sr., Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the City of Austin. "We look forward to seeing many proposals for projects in our area."

Austin was designated as an Urban Area Security Initiative city by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in February.