Hammami said the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford started applying in 2019 for the NSGP, which is administered by FEMA under the Department of Homeland Security. Nonprofits apply via State Administrative Agencies, providing materials like vulnerability assessments, budget estimates and proposed expenditures.

Hammami said they were approved for fifty thousand dollars in 2021. They used the funds to strengthen doors and buy security cameras and alarms. But despite potential further enhancements, they’ve since stopped applying.

“While the merits of the program are great, the administration part has a lot to be desired,” he told NPR, pointing to the program’s reimbursement structure.