Events like the attack on May 15, 2022, against the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California, where a man opened fire killing one and injuring five other people, have intensified the need for faith leaders to intentionally harden their places of worship.
Although violent attacks targeting temples and sanctuaries are not something new, the numbers keep increasing. According to the FBI, between 2014 and 2018, violent incidents went up by 34.8%. Clearly, elevated crime by radicals and extremists weakens entire communities, regardless of religious affiliation, which prompts decision-makers to engage in meaningful action, rather than leaving the safety of devotees in the hands of God.
Yet, due to the spiritual nature of these premises, it is critical to safeguard places of worship while still making sure they feel welcoming and inviting for churchgoers. It is not about militarizing faith spaces but implementing advanced technologies seamlessly without alarming people.
Soft target vulnerabilities
Churches are soft targets or places that are easily accessible to large numbers of people and that have limited security or protective measures in place. These conditions make houses of prayer even more vulnerable to attacks.
Unfortunately, there are a few factors that amplify these weak spots:
- Hopelessness
We can’t do anything to prevent a threat. - Infallibility
It is impossible that this event happens here. - Inescapability
It’s hard to escape, so what’s the point in even trying? - Inevitability
If it is going to happen, there is nothing I can do about it anyway.
Moreover, church leaders might experience security fatigue or a sense of lack of control, fatalism, decision avoidance, and risk minimization in regard to safety. To enhance the security of your church it is first necessary to identify the reason behind this deficient approach and then partner with a professional security integrator to deploy an effective, custom-made solution.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
For federal tax purposes, a church — any recognized place of worship, including synagogues, mosques, and temples— is automatically recognized as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit or charitable organization.
Budget limitations are typical for these religious institutions. Upgrading their security environment is often dependent on donations from congregants, which have declined in recent years, and tithes. Other sources of income for churches are sponsorships, memorials, events, services, and targeted ministry campaigns.
In order to support soft target nonprofits that are at high risk of crime, FEMA established 2004 the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The total funding available for the fiscal year 2023 is $305 million.
Some of the priority areas covered by this program include:
- Enhancing the protection of soft targets
The core capabilities include physical security enhancements, security cameras, security screening for people and baggage, access control solutions, fencing and gates, and cybersecurity improvements. - Planning
The core capabilities include the development of security plans and protocols, emergency and contingency plans, evacuation plans, and assessment capabilities. - Training and Awareness
For this need, examples of projects could be security training and preparedness plans.
FEMA will calculate and analyze the percentage of funding awarded for contract security, target hardening, and training and awareness through a review of recipient Biannual Strategy Implementation Report updates and award monitoring to ensure that the funds are spent for their intended purpose and achieve the stated outcomes in the grant application.
How to apply?
Religious organizations can only apply through their respective State Administrative Agency (SAA) and are only eligible as sub-applicants to the SAA. Through the application, it must be clearly demonstrated that the House of Prayer is at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.
The application process involves:
- Find your State Administrative Agency (SAA) contact.
- Get a UEI Number to apply for federal assistance.
- Prepare sub-application materials by collaborating with your SAA. This includes conducting a Vulnerability Assessment to assist in identifying the threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of terrorist attacks at your facility and any supporting documents (e.g., police or insurance reports).
- Submit your application and your Investment Justifications. The Investment Justification is a fillable template provided and required by FEMA made available through Grants.gov that asks nonprofits to describe the organization, risks/threats to the organization, and proposed projects/activities to mitigate security deficiencies (as identified in the vulnerability assessment).
The grant process can take a significant amount of time, especially because competition for grants is tight. However, this program might be a key opportunity for accessing first-class solutions, advanced integration capabilities, and ongoing support from an experienced security integrator.