Bill Overview
Title: Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022
Description: This bill modifies the Nonprofit Security Grant Program of the Department of Homeland Security and reauthorizes appropriations for such program through FY2028. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must establish an office, headed by a senior FEMA official, to administer the program. Office responsibilities include those related to outreach, engagement, education, and technical assistance. FEMA must also publish grant guidelines and may prohibit states from closing application processes before the publication of the guidelines. FEMA must seek to enter into a contract or other agreement with an independent research organization for the conduct of a study that analyzes and reports on (1) the effectiveness of the program for preparedness against terrorism and other threats; (2) the risk-based formula and allocations under the program; and (3) the risk profile of and any identifiable factors leading to the low participation of traditionally underrepresented groups and states under the program.
Sponsors: Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
Target Audience
Population: people affiliated with or served by nonprofit organizations
Estimated Size: 25000000
- The bill targets nonprofits by improving security grants which are directly utilized by them for safety and security enhancements.
- Large numbers of employees and board members of nonprofits will be affected due to changes in grant accessibility and administration.
- Communities and individuals served by nonprofits may indirectly benefit from enhanced organizational security.
- Nonprofits in high-risk areas may see a greater impact as they are more likely to apply for and receive security funding.
Reasoning
- The Nonprofit Security Grant Program aims to enhance the security of nonprofit facilities, especially those serving at-risk communities. Given the focus on nonprofits, individuals affiliated with or employed by such organizations, particularly in high-risk areas, are likely most affected.
- A wide range of people will experience indirect impacts: employees feeling safer, communities relying on these nonprofits, and potential clients who might now safely access services.
- The policy's budget indicates that only a fraction of nonprofits will receive funding, implying varying levels of impact across the sector.
- The long-term implementation and influence of roles like the senior FEMA official will have both administrative and educational ripple effects which might strengthen the operational capacity of nonprofits.
Simulated Interviews
Nonprofit Manager (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful for the new resources to enhance our security.
- The grant will help us focus on our mission without constantly worrying about safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Nonprofit Board Member (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure how much this will change things for us.
- Our area isn't targeted much, so our need for security upgrades is less urgent.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Volunteer Coordinator (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Security improvements could help us retain volunteers.
- Current conditions sometimes make volunteers anxious.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nonprofit CEO (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The program is vital for managing security threats.
- I hope the application process is not overly cumbersome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Community Advocate (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved security helps us focus on advocacy without security distractions.
- Long overdue policy change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Police Officer (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The grant offers reassurance by addressing security gaps.
- Hopefully, it will deter past issues we've faced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Volunteer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel safe already, but more security wouldn't hurt.
- I hope this security upgrade doesn't affect operational budgets for other needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Nonprofit Fundraiser (Miami, FL)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced security may increase donor trust and contributions.
- More secure facilities might also attract more volunteers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Nonprofit Educator (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Security upgrades will create a more conducive learning environment.
- I'm relieved there's a focus on these needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Security Consultant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program expands opportunities for nonprofits to address security vulnerabilities.
- Could create more demand for consultancy work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring comprehensive outreach and education by FEMA can maximize the effectiveness of the program.
- Efficient administration and guidelines publication are crucial for timely grant applications and award distributions.
- Nonprofits' ability to enhance security through this grant may vary depending on their awareness and application capability.