BJLife Newsroom
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency hosted a media briefing on September 8, 2023 to unveil the beneficiaries for Fiscal Year 2023 of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. A fund of $15.9 million had been secured by Maryland’s Congressional Representatives to assist 118 religious institutions and nonprofit groups across the state. This initiative was in response to the escalating security risks that had been facing faith-based and nonprofit organizations in Maryland.
The event featured an address from the Lieutenant Governor, who also serves as the chair of the Governor’s Committee for Interfaith Relations.
The financial aid awarded was a combined effort between Maryland and Washington, D.C., contributing to the overall sum of $15.9 million. Specifically, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties received their funding from Washington, D.C.
In attendance were elected officials including Delegate Dalya Attar whose district received a significant amount of funding. Lt. Governor Miller, Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Van Hollen – thanked Delegate Attar for working alongside them for all Marylanders and welcoming them to District 41.
Delegate Jon Cardin, whose office assisted multiple shuls and other nonprofits, was also in attendance.
Selected speakers representing four of the grant-awarded districts included:
Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer of Shearith Israel Congregation in District 41 (where the event was held)
Pastor Harold A. Carter, Jr. from New Shiloh Baptist Church in District 40
President Hasan Hammad of the Islamic Society of Baltimore in District 44B
Carter Arnot Polakoff, President and CEO of the Children’s Museum at Port Discovery in District 46
