NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State Rep. Robert Stevens, R-Smyrna, announced the opening of the application window for the 2024-25 Houses of Worship Security Grant.
The competitive grant is administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to assist houses of worship in hiring trained security professionals.
“Everyone should feel safe when they visit houses of worship and, unfortunately, after recent attacks across our country, that is not always the case,” Stevens said. “These grants will provide religious leaders the ability to ensure their congregations will always be protected from those who have ill intentions.”
Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving as houses of worship can receive up to $100,000 under the grant program. Trained security professionals funded through this program can help respond in emergency situations and prevent tragedies before they happen.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on July 12. Instructions on how to apply can be found on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website.
The General Assembly devoted $750,000 to fund the Houses of Worship Security Grant as part of its $52.8 billion zero-debt balanced budget that was passed in April. Republican priorities included making significant investments in health care, public safety, education and rural economic development.
Robert Stevens represents District 13 which includes part of Rutherford County. Stevens serves on the Civil Justice Committee, Education Administration Committee, Local Government Committee, Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee and K-12 Subcommittee.
