Applications open for security grants at Tennessee houses of worship

​NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security opened applications for the 2024-2025 Houses of Worship Security grant program.

According to the department’s website, the 2024-2025 House of Worship Grant funds contract security personnel for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. Organizations for houses of worship include churches, synagogues, temples and mosques.

The grant will be disbursed through a 12-month period through a Tennessee cost reimbursement grant contract.

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Frank Stevenson is the Senior Pastor for Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville and has served as a pastor for 20 years. Stevenson said that the joy of being a pastor is being involved with his congregation, celebrating life’s special moments.

Stevenson plans to apply for the new grant for his church’s congregation. He claims churches can be considered soft targets and lawmakers are understanding the importance of keeping everyone in the state safe and show equal opportunity for churches to increase safety measures.

“I think the faith community as a whole appreciates that the state lawmakers are paying attention to church community,” Stevenson says. “I really believe other pastors are excited about the opportunity. Seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars doesn’t go very far across the platform of all the churches, but it’s a really good start.”

When he began his pastorship, Stevenson said that there was no need to post anti-weapon signage for church houses. Now, he said that it’s important to be cognizant of safety measures with necessary precautions in place, like security guards and lockdown plans.

Steven added that this grant will increase security measures and make sure people feel safe to come and worship.

“Anytime there’s a gathering of large crowds, the government and the community now has to take notice of that and we have to plan and be prepared,” Stevenson said. “Sunday mornings are when large crowds gather at churches. The community now has to recognize and realize it’s important to keep those communities safe. I’m excited for what it will mean for churches in terms of protecting their congregants.”

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Organizations must submit the required documents by June 12 at 11:59 pm.

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