Guardian Watch

Image: NACo

House bill would pay Nonprofit Security Grant funds upfront instead of by reimbursement

Reps. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) introduced the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Funding Improvement Act on Oct. 6. It would let nonprofits receive NSGP money before they buy security upgrades. The bill has been introduced; no committee action yet.

Why it mattersReimbursement keeps many small congregations out of NSGP because they cannot front the cost of cameras, doors and lighting. Upfront funding would open the program to them.

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Jordan arrests three suspects in deadly church funeral attack

Gunmen opened fire on Oct. 23 at a funeral inside a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, killing eight or nine people and wounding about 40. Security forces arrested three suspects on Oct. 26 after a three-hour gunfight.

Why it mattersFunerals and other publicly announced, emotional gatherings are soft targets. Event security plans should cover them, not just weekly services.

Image: The Guardian

'Black October': AI-found PHP flaw puts millions of websites at risk

Researchers using AI uncovered critical bugs in PHP, the language behind millions of websites, and attackers are already trying to exploit them. The NSA urged every site running PHP to patch immediately.

Why it mattersMost church and nonprofit websites run on WordPress, which runs on PHP. Ask your web host or volunteer webmaster this week whether your site has been patched.

Massachusetts opens state security grants for at-risk nonprofits; due Nov. 20

The state Office of Grants and Research is taking applications for two programs: one for physical security upgrades and one for contracted security personnel. Faith-based, educational, health care and human services organizations may apply for either or both by Nov. 20 at 4 p.m.

Why it mattersSeveral states now run their own security grants alongside federal NSGP. Check whether your state offers one.

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Appeals court lets 27 religious groups pursue suit over immigration enforcement at churches

The D.C. Circuit ruled that the plaintiffs in Mennonite Church USA v. DHS have standing to challenge the rescission of the policy that limited immigration enforcement at sensitive locations such as houses of worship. The case returns to district court. Source is an opinion column reporting the ruling.

Why it mattersWhatever the outcome, congregations should decide in advance how greeters and staff respond when any officers arrive during services, and put it in the security plan.

Image: Governing

Nonprofit financial struggles bring risks for local government

An Urban Institute survey found nearly half of government-funded nonprofits saw delays, pauses or freezes in 2025, with higher rates among groups serving low-income communities. Local governments rely on these groups to fill safety-net gaps.

Why it mattersExpect more scrutiny of nonprofit stability. Documented risk management, including a current security assessment, strengthens any funding request.