Sponsors (44)
The bill centralizes and improves access to federal, evidence-based security guidance and grant information for faith-based and nonprofit organizations—boosting readiness and coordination—but raises significant privacy, cost, and governance concerns by potentially requiring sensitive data sharing, pressuring small organizations to pay for security, and concentrating decision-making in DHS.
Nonprofits and faith-based organizations (including houses of worship) gain a centralized federal clearinghouse/website that consolidates evidence-based safety and security practices, practical tools (checklists, tabletop exercises, facility hardening), and links to grant programs and application assistance, making relevant guidance easier to find and use.
Nonprofits and houses of worship can more easily find and apply for federal grant funding because the Clearinghouse must link to applications, user guides, FAQs, and provide application assistance.
Smaller organizations receive tailored, tiered, evidence-based guidance and practical tools designed for their size and capacity, which can reduce security risks and improve preparedness for disasters, incidents, or attacks.
Religious organizations and nonprofits may need to share sensitive operational and security information, analytics, contacts, or incident details to use the Clearinghouse or receive assistance, increasing risks of expanded government surveillance or exposure of vulnerabilities.
Smaller nonprofits and houses of worship could face pressure or expectations to implement security measures that carry real costs, while required staffing or administrative duties and possible new programs are not matched with guaranteed appropriations — shifting financial burden to the organizations or taxpayers.
Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) entities or that DHS does not designate as 'at risk' could be excluded from Clearinghouse protections, guidance, or grant eligibility, leaving some groups without access to the resources provided.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Creates a DHS-based online clearinghouse to publish safety/security best practices for nonprofits and religious organizations and list federal grant programs, plus a GAO report to Congress.
Introduced September 30, 2025 by Grace Meng · Last progress September 30, 2025
Creates a federal online clearinghouse, housed at the Department of Homeland Security, to publish and promote safety and security best practices for nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, and houses of worship and to provide information about related federal grant programs. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to staff the clearinghouse, develop evidence-based tiers for recommended practices in consultation with other agencies, post a public contact, and stand up the clearinghouse within 270 days of enactment. Also directs the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on federal grants and programs tied to safety and security for these entities.