McLean County Times

Taking to social media, State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, announced in a Nov. 9 Facebook post that the 2023 Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program has opened for applications.

According to a post on its website, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced the 2023 program, under which the state will award up to $150 million for security upgrades for non-profit organizations in the state identified as potential terrorist targets. The website noted that the deadline to apply for a grant is Jan. 16.

“The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has announced its 2023 Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program,” Barickman said in his post, in which he also shared a link to the program, which helps organizations pair their readiness with efforts on the local and state levels.

According to the IEMA, the program is run through the agency and the state’s Terrorism Task Force may award grants for as much as $150,000 for a single site. Organizations with more than one site can request grants for up to three sites.

The IEMA noted on its website that guidelines for consideration include verification that the not-for-profit organization is a 503(c)(3) located within Illinois; the project’s location as outlined in the application; identification and verification of potential threats, foreign and domestic, by a terrorist network or cell against the organization based on their values, beliefs or ideology.

The organization also must remain in operation in the state for at least five years after the grant period, according to the IEMA, and may also have to outline any role the organization may have in responding to or recovering in the wake of a terrorist attack as well as their role in local and state efforts.

Moreover, the IEMA noted on its website that the grant money can only be used for certain purposes, including target-hardening actions, which can include the purchase and installation of security equipment for properties owned or leased by the organization. The website noted that this can include alarms, screening and inspection equipment.

The grants also can be used to fund contract security workers, according to the IEMA, but cannot be used for equipment used by security. Some training costs are permitted under the program, according to the website, including active shooter training and security training.