WESTBOROUGH – The Boroughs Islamic Society on Bellows Road was among 85 nonprofit organizations – including houses of worship, educational institutions, health-care providers and other organizations at heightened risk of a hate crime or extremist attack – will receive grant funding from the state to make critical security improvements.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the awarding of $4.75 million on Thursday, Aug. 1. The BIS received $74,985.
The grants were awarded through the Office of Grants and Research’s (OGR) Massachusetts Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The program utilizes federal funds allocated to the commonwealth through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
OGR program coordinators will work with award recipients throughout the life of the grant to provide assistance in managing the funds and ensuring projects are completed during the funding period.
“Protecting faith-based and other nonprofit organizations from hate and extremist violence is essential to the safety and security of our communities across Massachusetts. We are deeply committed to ensuring that organizations at risk of hate crimes and violence are protected and supported,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With this funding, nonprofits will receive vital resources to implement security improvements that ensure their ability to safeguard those whom they serve.”
OGR conducted a competitive application process between Jan. 31 and March 1, allowing 501(c)3 organizations at high risk of a hate crime or terror attack to request grant funding through the Massachusetts Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Each eligible application was assessed by a team of reviewers.
In addition to the reviewers’ scores, additional factors were weighed, including whether an applicant has received prior nonprofit security grant funding, alignment with programmatic priorities, and availability of funds.
