URBAN AREAS SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI) NONPROFIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced eligibility of nonprofit organizations located in Florida’s five Urban Areas to apply for funds as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This grant program will provide more than $19 million nationwide to eligible 501(c) (3) entities to provide funding support for target-hardening activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. This program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

Individual organizations in Florida may apply for up to $75,000. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations through the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which is the only agency in Florida eligible to apply for the grant directly with DHS.

Nonprofit organizations must develop investment justifications that address each initiative proposed for funding. These Investment Justifications must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies in current programs and capabilities. The Investment Justification must demonstrate the ability to provide enhancements consistent with the purpose of the program and guidance provided by FEMA. Applicants must ensure that the Investment Justification is consistent with all applicable requirements outlined in the application kit. Applicants may only submit one Investment Justification on behalf of their nonprofit organization in order to be considered for funding.

The federal grant funds may only be used for “target-hardening activities”, which can be accomplished through training or the purchase and/or installation of security equipment on real property owned or leased by the nonprofit organization. Additionally, nonprofit organization security personnel may use NSGP funds to attend security-related training courses and programs.

Not all eligible nonprofit organizations are guaranteed to receive funding under the FY 2010 NSGP. Final allocation decisions will be made by DHS and will be based on risk assessments and how well applicants address program requirements through their investment justifications.

Nonprofit organizations must submit applications through the Florida Division of Emergency Management to be considered eligible for an award of up to $75,000. Nonprofit organizations must agree to match 25 percent of the federal grant through cash or in-kind contributions, which may include training investments related to use of equipment purchased with the grant, or training investments related to general purpose security and emergency preparedness for staff.

Applications must be e-mailed to the Division no later than February 19, 2010 complete with point of contact information in the event the applicant is awarded. For more information on the FY 2010 UASI NSGP, please contact Tina Quick at (850) 413-9974 or e-mail Tina.Quick@em.myflorida.com