Press Releases
REP. WEINER HELPS NYC NON-PROFITS SECURE $3.2 MILLION IN FEDERAL HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS
AFTER OVER A YEAR OF DELAYS, DHS FINALLY AWARDS MUCH NEEDED FUNDING TO NON-PROFIT & RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
New York City - Rep. Anthony Weiner (D Brooklyn & Queens), a member of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, announced today that after more than a year of delays, the Department of Homeland Security has finally released homeland security grants to high-risk non-profit and religious institutions. Over 41 non-profits in New York City received funding, for a total of $3.2 million. The news comes after repeated calls from Weiner to release these critically needed funds to bolster security, and a recent workshop he hosted for applicants to learn best practices for submitting a successful application.
The grants are being made available through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), and will provide significant funding for security measures at the very institutions being singled out as potential targets - yeshivas and synagogues throughout the five boroughs. The program also funds security enhancements at New York City landmarks such as the Intrepid Museum, and hospitals such as the Staten Island University Hospital.
In May, Rep. Weiner hosted a ‘Tele-Town Hall’, where applicants were able to participate from their own office via the phone to review the application process with a DHS representative. Over 100 different organizations participated in the session.
Institutions that qualified for the grant program were eligible to receive up to $100,000 - funds that can be used to train security personnel and install security measures such as surveillance cameras, barriers and controlled entry systems. The average award for grant winners is approximately $90,000, and the funds are expected to be delivered within the next 60 days.
In Fiscal Year 2005, Rep. Weiner helped secure $6.3 million in non-profit funding to protect dozens of institutions in the New York City area, including $2 million to thirty yeshivas and synagogues with an average grant of $65,000.
"Its high time DHS realized that our non-profit institutions were at risk," said Rep. Weiner. "Worshipers, museum goers, and hospital visitors expect and deserve a safe environment, and these grants will go a long way towards ensuring their safety."
Rep. Weiner is an original cosponsor of the High Risk Nonprofit Security Enhancement Act of 2004, which called for the creation of the Homeland Security Grant program.
