The Washington State Department of Commerce is initiating a Request for Application (RFA) process to fund $1.5 million in security improvements for religious and nonprofit facilities.

The Washington State Legislature updated this program and added funding in the winter of 2024. These new grants must be awarded to:

• Religious institutions
• Nonprofit by-and-for organizations
• Nonprofit community centers

All applications must demonstrate that their sites have been subject to, or at risk of physical attacks, threats, or other damages because of the mission, ideology or beliefs.

Responses are due by July 2, 2024 by 4:00 PM.

What can these grants be used for?

• Physical security enhancements (e.g. improved doors, fences, lighting, or security systems)
• Target hardening (e.g. cement barriers in front of a building)
• Renovation and repairs to enhance security
• Preparedness planning, training, or exercises

Upcoming information sessions

There is an applicants’ conference on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at https://wastatecommerce.zoom.us/j/89492163042?pwd=T1pRZ3dKU3IvMVFiZzVyZ0ZJMERLQT09

Meeting ID: 894 9216 3042
Passcode: 949182

Registration details are included in the Request for Application.

If you have questions, contact the RFA Coordinator, Michelle Griffin at: Michelle.Griffin@commerce.wa.gov.

Grant application materials

Download the Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant RFA (PDF)
Download the Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant Application (Word)