Grant program looks to lower risk of cyber-attacks for Delaware nonprofits

DELAWARE – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) looks to lower non-profits risks of cyber-attacks with grant funding.

Since 2018, The Nonprofit Security Grant Program has helped non-profits enhance physical and cyber security measures. Funding is made possible through the Department of Homeland Security and regulated through a partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and DEMA.

Nonprofits can apply for up to $150,000 (maximum award of up to $450,000 for three sites) to purchase things like outdoor lighting, security software, and more.

DEMA tells 47ABC that in recent years there has been an uptick in cyber-attacks and nonprofits are more prone to fall victim.  “They’re just an easier target. They’re often geared towards specific groups like political groups, religious groups, ethnics groups, and more. If an attacker was looking for a specific group, a nonprofit would be a way to seek out that specific group,” DEMA Analyst Vanessa Cullen said.

“It’s always better to be prepared. Non-profits generally are housing sensitive and lots of personal information.”

To be eligible, nonprofits must meet certain requirements including completing a vulnerability assessment and having a Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI).

Those applications are expected to open as early as March.