New Jersey to Give $1M Security Grants to Religious Groups at Risk of Attack
In the wake of a spate of threats against Jewish organizations around the country, Gov. Chris Cristie announced on Tuesday, March 21 that New Jersey will give up to $1 million in grants to religious institutions and other nonprofit groups vulnerable to attacks. The grants should be available by summer.
The Republican governor cited a bomb threat against the Katz Jewish community center in Cherry Hill, Camden County, which was evacuated on Feb. 27. It is part of the 150 bomb threats that targeted Jewish institutions throughout the country this year, which all turned out to be hoaxes.
"Unfortunately, as incidents in the past few weeks have shown, every area of New Jersey is vulnerable to threats and possible attacks, making these additional resources crucial in our efforts to enhance security in certain parts of the state that had not previously received federal security grant funding," Christie said in a statement.
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Nonprofit organizations in nine counties will have to apply at the state's Office of Homeland Security and prove that they are at high risk of a terrorist attack to avail of the grants under the Security Enhancements Countering Unmitigated Risk, Reuters reported.
The beneficiaries are eligible to receive up to $50,000, with no counterpart funds required, through reimbursements for allowable costs for the acquisition and installation of security enhancement equipment as well as inspection and screening systems to protect their properties against terrorism.
Grant awards will be allocated based on risk analysis, effectiveness and preparedness efforts. New Jersey's program intends to supplement a similar security funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program available in the state's 12 other counties.
"I encourage eligible nonprofits to apply for these grants to pay for security measures that will keep them safe and give their members peace of mind," Cristie said. "During these trying times, my administration remains committed to ensuring that nonprofits across our entire state have the resources they need to ensure our citizens may gather freely and securely."
