Mercer County houses of worship since have been awarded more than $3.6 million in security grant funding since 2021 with the assistance from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homeland Security Unit.
The grants, provided through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, can be used for surveillance equipment, access control systems and security personnel. Thirty-two houses of worship have received the funding so far.
The prosecutor’s office has worked with agencies including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the New Jersey State Police to promote the program, conduct security assessments and provide technical help to applicants.
To date, the office has conducted or assisted with more than 50 security assessments and provided grant-writing and management support to 24 houses of worship.
“Safety and security for all faith-based communities is a top priority,” Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey said.
“These grants provide vital resources to help nonprofits and houses of worship strengthen their security measures,” Marbrey said. “We encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this opportunity.”
The initiative aligns with outreach from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness’ Interfaith Advisory Council, which promotes collaboration between law enforcement and faith-based institutions.
Organizations interested in the program, emergency action plans, bleed control kits, active shooter training or reporting bias crimes and suspicious activity can visit njohsp.gov/connect/interfaith-advisory-council.
For help with applications or security assessments, contact the prosecutor’s office Homeland Security Unit at CTC@mercercounty.org.
