Senator Hassan Leads New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in Announcing $2.4 Million for NH Nonprofits, Including Houses of Worship, to Increase Safety

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas in announcing $2.4 million in grants for New Hampshire nonprofits, including houses of worship, under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Senator Hassan has successfully worked to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

“Granite Staters deserve to feel safe when attending a church service or volunteering at a local nonprofit,” said Senator Hassan. “This federal funding will help houses of worship and nonprofits in New Hampshire – which play an integral role in our communities – boost their security and protect against potential threats.”

“Too many times, our nation’s houses of worship have been the target of horrific and senseless violence,” said Senator Shaheen. “No Granite Stater should ever feel unsafe or threatened while practicing their faith, and that’s why I’m glad to see federal funding coming to New Hampshire to help nonprofits and houses of worship bolster their security and protect community members.”

“New Hampshire’s non-profit organizations and houses of worship are essential parts of our communities—Granite Staters shouldn’t have to worry about their safety when volunteering or visiting these spaces,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I’m pleased to join the rest of the delegation in welcoming these resources to our state to help ensure these vital spaces can operate safely and securely, free from threats or acts of violence.”

“Granite Staters practicing their faith at their houses of worship or volunteering at non-profit organizations should be able to do so without fear of violent threats or attacks,” said Congressman Pappas. “This funding will provide needed resources to improve the safety and security of New Hampshire’s non-profits and places of worship. I will continue to fight for federal funding that strengthens public safety and addresses the needs of our communities.”

Senator Hassan is working to strengthen security at houses of worship and nonprofits. In 2020, Senator Hassan helped pass into law bipartisan legislation to codify that grant funding for houses of worship and nonprofit organizations must be available for small states like New Hampshire, not just major metropolitan areas, and Senator Hassan successfully worked to quadruple funding for the program. Senator Hassan also introduced the bipartisan Pray Safe Act to establish a federal clearinghouse through which faith-based organizations and houses of worship could access information on safety and security best practices, available federal grant programs, and training opportunities.

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