NEWYORK: Council of People’s Organization held a seminar titled Community Security Initiative Grant in Brooklyn, New York, in which religious and social organizations were informed about security funding.
The seminar was held under the COPO’s Technical Assistance Grant Initiative which was attended by representatives of community and religious organizations.
The aim of the event was to provide complete guidance to community organizations, mosques, churches, temples and other places of worship regarding the New York State Secure Communities Against Hate Crime Grant Program so that they can benefit from government funding to make their security more effective.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Participants were informed that New York Governor Hochul has allocated up to $70 million in funding to protect communities against hate crimes, which can be used by non-profit and community-based organizations across the state.
During the seminar, experts provided a detailed briefing on grant program eligibility, step-by-step application procedures, security risk assessments, developing a strong investment justification, and required documentation.
The training session also informed participants about which security items can be funded, including security cameras, access control systems, barriers, and other security measures.
According to organizers, the goal of such programs is to protect communities against increasing hate incidents and provide institutions with access to government resources.
COPO’s head Mohammad Rizvi said that all relevant institutions and communities should take advantage of the state grant given by the Governor Hochul to make their places of worship and educational institutions safe.
Later, the speakers replied to the questions of the participants. COPO team assured full cooperation for registration and further guidance and announced that applicants can contact COPO with regard to submission of a funding application.
