Chicago-area nonprofits invited to apply for security grant program

Nonprofit organizations in the Chicago Urban Area, which includes the City of Chicago and Cook County, are encouraged to apply for funding for protection upgrades. For this grant program, the US Department of Homeland Security allocates a total of $180 million to eligible 501(c) (3) organizations throughout the country.

Eligible non-profit organizations with a single site can apply for up to $150,000 per sub-applicant, for a total of $450,000. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program for FY 2021 distributes funds focused on risk assessment, efficacy, and integration with wider state and local preparedness initiatives.

The deadline to apply is April 21, 2021, and the funds will be used to buy or install security equipment on charitable organization-owned or leased land, as well as provide contracted security staff explicitly to deter terrorist attacks. 

"This is a vital opportunity for nonprofit organizations to reduce their vulnerabilities, making Cook County safer for all of our people," EMRS executive director William Barnes said. "Our nonprofit partners are encouraged to seize this opportunity to strengthen efforts to improve facility and environmental safety and protection."

The grant is for 36 months. The application (Investment Justification) can be downloaded from the IEMA website by qualified non-profit organizations. Completed applications must be sent to IEMA by 4 p.m. April 21, 2021. The following five elements must be included in a full grant application package: Investment Justification Application, Vulnerability/Risk Assessment, Mission Statement, IRS Form W-9, or Tax-Exempt Organization Statement if not a 501(c)(3). Grants will be administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).