NH Nonprofits, Houses of Worship Will Get Money to Combat Threats

Nearly $1 million has been allotted for 14 nonprofits and houses of worship in New Hampshire under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

On the Seacoast, Temple Isreal in Portsmouth will receive $95,213 and Rye Congregational Church will receive $12,000.

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, who is the chair of the Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight Subcommittee, made the announcement on Tuesday with U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster and U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas.

“Granite Staters of all faiths deserve to feel safe in their house of worship, but the increasing attacks that we have seen on certain communities threatens that sense of security,” Hassan said.

Hassan said she was glad to lead efforts to expand federal funding for this critical grant program to help ensure that smaller states like New Hampshire receive more federal resources to help nonprofits and houses of worship stay safe.

Shaheen said she will continue to work across the aisle to root out hatred that drives violence at houses of worship.

“Every Granite Stater should be able to find solace in their house of worship, should they choose, without fearing for the safety of themselves or community members. Too many times, our nation has borne witness to horrific violence targeting houses of worship, which is why federal resources to protect congregants is so critical," Shaheen said.

Shaheen said these federal dollars will help shore up security at locations throughout the state to protect those practicing their faith and allow the peace of mind that every person deserves.

The total amount awarded under the grant is $951,951.

The following New Hampshire nonprofits and houses of worship will receive federal grant funding to help combat foreign and domestic terrorist threats:

·         Concord Christian Academy (Concord, NH) -- $94,600

·         Crossing Life Church and Community Center (Windham, NH) -- $100,000

·         First Congregational Church of Wakefield NH-UCC (Wakefield, NH) -- $25,000

·         Camp Young Judaea (Amherst, NH) -- $100,000

·         New Hampshire Catholic Charities, Inc., Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Care (Manchester, NH) – $49,756

·         Penacook Civil Defense Rescue Squad (Boscawen, NH) -- $22,418

·         Bishop Brady High School (Concord, NH) -- $55,000

·         Rye Congregational Church (Rye, NH) -- $12,000

·         Saint Anselm College (Manchester, NH) -- $98,624

·         St. Joseph Hospital (Nashua, NH) -- $80,000

·         St. Joseph Hospital's Milford Medical Center (Milford, NH) -- $70,000

·         St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Concord, NH) -- $49,340

·         Temple of Israel (Portsmouth, NH) -- $95,213

·         The Derryfield School (Manchester, NH) -- $100,000

For more information on the Nonprofit Security Grant program, click here.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com.