The FY25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) in Montgomery County, Maryland, supports nonprofit and faith-based organizations facing a high risk of hate crimes. This grant program aims to enhance the physical security and preparedness of eligible organizations by funding personnel, planning, and equipment measures tailored to protect communities vulnerable to hate-motivated threats or violence. The Montgomery County Council allocated $1.2 million in the FY25 budget to support this initiative.
Grants of up to $15,000 per facility are available to eligible applicants, with a maximum of five applications allowed per organization if they operate multiple facilities. Funds may be used for hiring security personnel, developing security plans, conducting drills, acquiring new security cameras, and implementing fususCORE technology to share real-time footage with local police. However, the grant prohibits expenses such as facility upgrades, general equipment purchases, or pre-award costs. All awarded funds must be expended within a 12-month performance period following the execution of the grant agreement.
Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations or religious institutions that meet similar criteria and are physically located within Montgomery County. Applicants must be registered in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, be listed as vendors with the County, and propose new or expanded security activities that benefit County residents. For-profit entities are not eligible. Applicants must also be current on reporting obligations for other County contracts or grants.
The application opened on September 23, 2024, with a final submission deadline extended to October 28, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Proposals must be submitted through the Montgomery County SM Apply portal. An optional virtual information session was held on September 25, 2024. Applications are reviewed by an independent committee of qualified reviewers using weighted scoring that evaluates organizational risk, community impact, proposed use of funds, and administrative capacity. Notifications are expected in January 2025.
Selected applicants will receive lump-sum grants and must retain full documentation for all expenses. All funded activities must be completed within the designated 12-month period, and any misuse of funds or failure to comply with grant terms could result in penalties or audit action. The FY25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program is part of Montgomery County’s broader effort to address public safety concerns with an equity-informed, community-centered approach.
