The Healey-Driscoll Administration disclosed today an allocation of over $4 million in federal funds. Specifically, this amount will address pressing security concerns at faith-based and community organizations, particularly those at an increased risk of hate crimes or potential terrorist attacks. Accordingly, the precise sum disbursed is $4,013,340 via the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).
“Communities rely on nonprofit and faith-based organizations for essential social services, spiritual support, and guidance. Our Administration is deeply committed to ensuring these vital organizations have the tools and resources needed to create safe, inclusive, and protected environments. These federal funds provide critical support to our nonprofit and faith communities while strengthening Massachusetts’ ability to uphold our values and celebrate our diversity.”
Governor Maura Healey
Role of Massachusetts State Agencies
The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) has taken the helm for managing and disbursing this grant in Massachusetts. As a sector of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the OGR plays a pivotal role in such security initiatives. Meanwhile, the state also hosts the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program and Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program. Notably, both these programs are currently open to applications until October 13.
“EOPSS is committed to working in close collaboration with our community and faith-based partners to protect all Massachusetts residents and ensure that individuals have the fundamental right to practice their faith without fear. No organization or agency can ‘go it alone’ when it comes to public safety. This grant funding will advance our shared goal of enhancing community resiliency. Together, we can meet today’s challenges while planning for tomorrow’s possibilities.”
Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy
Official Statements
Governor Maura Healey emphasized the critical role that nonprofits and faith-based organizations play. She pointed out that they not only provide vital social services but also spiritual guidance. Consequently, ensuring their safety is paramount to uphold Massachusetts’ values and diversity. In addition, Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll reinforced the administration’s commitment, highlighting that these grants underscore their dedication to enhancing community readiness and safeguarding crucial community spaces.
Terrence Reidy, the Public Safety and Security Secretary, emphasized the importance of collective action. He stressed that achieving public safety isn’t a solitary endeavor. Instead, collaboration with community and faith-based entities ensures that every Massachusetts resident can freely practice their faith without fear. Emphatically, he believes that this grant funding propels the state closer to a future filled with possibilities and community resilience.
Kevin Stanton, OGR Executive Director, reiterated that these programs aim to guarantee everyone’s safety in Massachusetts. Particularly, the focus is on combating hate and supporting those who may be impacted by it.
Grant Recipients
To gain insights on homeland security, justice, and traffic safety grants via OGR, individuals and organizations are encouraged to register for email notifications.
Out of the NSGP award, here are the 32 organizations benefiting from the grant:
- Alden Baptist Church Springfield $150,000.00
- Tifereth Raphael Brighton $150,000.00
- Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica Billerica $119,500.00
- Center for Jewish Life Arlington Belmont Arlington $150,000.00
- Chabad on Campus Worcester, Inc. Worcester $150,000.00
- Church in the Acres – Baptist Springfield $50,000.00
- Congregation Beth El Atereth Israel Newton $150,000.00
- Congregation Mikvah Association of Worcester Worcester $150,000.00
- Congregation Or Atid – Wayland Wayland $136,590.00
- Congregation Temple Emanuel of Andover, Inc Andover $150,000.00
- First Congregational Church of Reading, UCC Reading $40,119.00
- Gordon College Wenham $149,085.00
- Jewish Community Center of the North Shore, Inc. Marblehead $130,422.00
- Temple of Israel Sharon Sharon $87,460.00
- Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Springfield Springfield $149,565.00
- New England Sikh Study Circle, Inc. Westboro $82,813.00
- Saint John the Evangelist Parish North Chelmsford $130,000.00
- Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish Lowell $60,492.00
- Saint Mary Parish Chelmsford Chelmsford $150,000.00
- Second Church in Newton Newton $149,981.00
- St. Mary Parish High School Westfield $147,650.00
- St. Mary Parish School Westfield $149,996.00
- Temple Beth David of Westwood-Dedham, Inc. Westwood $150,000.00
- Temple Isaiah, Inc. Lexington $150,000.00
- The Community of Jesus, Inc. Orleans $59,492.00
- The Ecumenical Church Springfield $140,974.00
- The Greater New Life Christian Center of Springfield, Massachusetts, Inc. Springfield $150,000.00
- The Jewish Nursing Home of Western Massachusetts dba The Leavitt Family Jewish Home Longmeadow $84,331.00
- URJ Crane Lake Camp Great Barrington $150,000.00
- Westfield Evangelical Free Church Westfield $114,128.00
- Worcester Jewish Community Center, Inc. DBA Worcester JCC Worcester $80,742.00
- Yeshiva Achei Tmimim of Springfield, MA, Inc. Longmeadow $150,000.00
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