SMYRNA, DE: Do you know a nonprofit organization in Delaware that may be interested in grant funding for security enhancements? Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be eligible to receive funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This federal grant program provides funding for physical and cyber security enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofits that are at risk of a potential terrorist attack. The NSGP also seeks to integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations with broader state and local preparedness activities.

Application details

Eligible nonprofit organizations must apply through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), who then applies to FEMA on behalf of the nonprofits. All application materials must be submitted to Mark Dworkin of DEMA at Mark.Dworkin@delaware.gov by 5pm on June 1, 2022. No applications will be accepted by DEMA after 5pm on June 1, 2022.

The application packet for NSGP must include the following documents:

1. a completed Investment Justification
2. a Mission Statement on letterhead
3. a Vulnerability Assessment specific to the location/facility for which they are applying for funding
4. Optional: Nonprofits may also submit supporting documentation with their application packet that further demonstrates the organization’s risk

Award details

Nonprofit organizations with one site may apply for up to $150,000 for that site. Nonprofit organizations with multiple sites may apply for up to $150,000 per site for up to three sites, for a maximum of $450,000 per nonprofit. The maximum award is $150,000.00 per project application. If a nonprofit organization applies for projects at multiple sites, regardless of whether the projects are similar in nature, they must submit a separate Investment Justification (IJ) and vulnerability assessment unique to each site.

DEMA Application assistance

FY22 NSGP information and resources, such as the FY22 NSGP Program Guide and Investment Justification, can be found under Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Resources tab on DEMA’s website (dema.delaware.gov). Additionally, self-assessment resources from the Delaware Information and Analysis Center (DIAC) and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are available on DEMA’s website to assist nonprofits with the completion of their vulnerability risk assessments.

FEMA Application assistance

FEMA is hosting an Informational Webinar Series for FY22 NSGP technical assistance. Additional NSGP information like the Notice of Funding Opportunity, resources, and registration for upcoming webinars can be found on the FEMA website (https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security).

For questions regarding the NSGP, contact Mark Dworkin (mark.dworkin@delaware.gov).

Smyrna, DE – Do you know a nonprofit organization in Delaware that may be interested in grant funding for security enhancements? Organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be eligible to receive funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) which supports organizations that may be at risk of a terrorist attack.  Nonprofits that may qualify must apply to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) by April 5, 2021 at 5:00 pm to be considered for funding.  Each individual nonprofit organization may be awarded up to a maximum of $150,000. DEMA is the State Administrative Agency for the Homeland Security Grant Program. 

Eligible applicants must conduct a vulnerability assessment that demonstrates the organization is at high risk of a terrorist attack.  The grant application must include risks, vulnerabilities, and the proposed project intended to address/mitigate the identified risks and vulnerabilities.  Allowable projects should focus on security-related activities and physical security enhancements. Funding can be used for security-related planning, exercises, training, contracted security personnel, and the acquisition and installation of security equipment on real property (including buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization at the time of application.

Applying nonprofits must complete the application which includes an Investment Justification (IJ) document, mission statement, risk assessment, and other supporting documentation.  Additionally, a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) is needed for application.  No applications will be accepted by DEMA after April 5, 2021.  Qualified applications will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and grant administrators at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will make the final determination of eligibility and award. 

DEMA will host a webinar for potential applicants on March 11^th at 2pm to provide general information and answer questions. To register email Christine Beste at Christine.Beste@delaware.gov. Complete qualification information and application packages can be found on DEMA’s website, https://dema.delaware.gov/contentFolder/misc/NSGP-Summary.zip. Completed applications should be sent to Christine Beste at Christine.Beste@delaware.gov.

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.

Smyrna, DE – Do you know a nonprofit organization in Delaware that may be interested in grant funding for security enhancements?  Organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be eligible to receive funding from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) which supports organizations that may be at high risk of a terrorist attack.  Nonprofits that may qualify must apply to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) by March 20, 2020 at 5:00pm to be considered for funding.  DEMA is the State Administrative Agency for the Homeland Security Grant Program.  Each individual nonprofit organization may be awarded up to a maximum of $100,000. 

Eligible applicants must conduct a vulnerability assessment that demonstrates the organization is at high risk of a terrorist attack.  The grant application must include risks, vulnerabilities, and the proposed project intended to address/mitigate the identified risks and vulnerabilities.  Allowable projects should focus on security-related activities and physical security enhancements.  Funding can be used for security-related planning, exercises, training, contracted security personnel, and the acquisition and installation of security equipment on property (including buildings and building improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization at the time of application.

Applying nonprofits must complete the application which includes an Investment Justification (IJ) document, mission statement, risk assessment, and other supporting documentation.  Additionally, a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number is needed for application.  No applications will be accepted by DEMA after March 20, 2020 at 5:00pm.  Qualified applications will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by April 15, and grant administrators at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will make the final determination of eligibility and award. 

Complete qualification information and application packages can be found on DEMA’s website, Nonprofit Security Grant Program Application.  To submit completed applications, or request further assistance, email Plan.DEMA@delaware.gov.

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.

(Smyrna, Delaware) – On December 13, 2019, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) officially earned accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). Only nine programs nationwide completed the rigorous assessment process in 2019 to achieve either initial accreditation or reaccreditation. This is the initial accreditation for DEMA and the State’s emergency management program.

“Congratulations to those programs that have maintained their accredited status as well as those who have joined the elite leaders in emergency management having earned accreditation through the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. Through their commitment and leadership, they have proven to their communities and stakeholders that their programs are sustainable and that they continue to focus on their communities’ best interests,” stated Nick Crossley, Director of the Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the EMAP Commission Chair.

Providing emergency management programs the opportunity to be evaluated and recognized for compliance with standards certified by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and recognized by the industry complies with EMAP’s mission to build safer communities through credible standards of excellence. These programs demonstrate accountability and focus attention on areas and issues where resources are needed to heighten their preparedness efforts to address any technical or natural disaster that may affect their communities.

To achieve accreditation, applicants must demonstrate through self-assessment, documentation and peer assessment verification that its program meets the Emergency Management Standard set forth by EMAP. The emergency management program uses the accreditation to prove the capabilities of their disaster preparedness and response systems. Accreditation is valid for five years and the program must maintain compliance with the Emergency Management Standard and is reassessed to maintain accredited status.

Through standardization EMAP revolutionizes emergency management programs that coordinate preparedness and response activities for disasters. In addition to obtaining the ability to measure those capabilities, EMAP recognizes the ability of emergency management programs to bring together personnel, resources and communications from a variety of agencies and organizations in preparation for and in response to an emergency. The Emergency Management Standard is flexible in design so that programs of differing sizes, populations, risks and resources can use it as a blueprint for improvement and can attain compliance with those standards in an accreditation process. The accreditation process evaluates emergency management programs on compliance with requirements in sixteen areas, including: planning; resource management; training; exercises, evaluations, and corrective actions; communications and warning; and administration. EMAP is the only accreditation process for emergency management programs.

DEMA Director A.J. Schall said “The team at DEMA started on this journey in 2018. Over the last eighteen months we have worked diligently to review our processes, plans, and relationships. Over that time, we learned a tremendous amount and modernized procedures.  This was a division-wide project and everyone on the team had an important part. I couldn’t be more proud for their dedication to the State.”

                                                                                                                              #  #  #

During the online holiday shopping season, the Delaware Division of Revenue is joining with the IRS, other state tax agencies and the tax industry to mark “National Tax Security Awareness Week.” From November 27 through December 1, we’d like to remind people to be vigilant with their personal information. While you are shopping for gifts, criminals are shopping for credit card numbers, financial account information, Social Security numbers and other sensitive data that could help them file a fraudulent tax return.

Cyber criminals seek to turn stolen data into quick cash, either by draining financial accounts, charging credit cards, creating new credit accounts or even using stolen identities to file a fraudulent tax return for a refund. Anyone who has an online presence should take a few simple steps that could go a long way to protecting their identity and personal information.

Here are seven steps to help with online safety and protecting tax returns and refunds in 2018:

• Shop at familiar online retailers. Generally, sites using the “s” designation in “https” at the start of the URL are secure. Look for the “lock” icon in the browser’s URL bar. But remember, even bad actors may obtain a security certificate so the “s” may not vouch for the site’s legitimacy.
• Avoid unprotected Wi-Fi. Beware of making purchases at unfamiliar sites or clicking on links from pop-up ads. Unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspots also may allow thieves to view transactions. Do not engage in online financial transactions if using unprotected public Wi-Fi.
• Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails that pose as a trusted source such as those from financial institutions or the IRS. These emails may suggest a password is expiring or an account update is needed. The criminal’s goal is to entice users to open a link or attachment. The link may take users to a fake website that will steal usernames and passwords or an attachment may download malware that tracks keystrokes.
• Keep a clean machine. This applies to all devices — computers, phones and tablets. Use security software to protect against malware that may steal data and viruses that may damage files. Set it to update automatically so that it always has the latest security defenses. Make sure firewalls and browser defenses are always active. Avoid “free” security scans or pop-up advertisements for security software.
• Use passwords that are strong, long and unique. Experts suggest a minimum of 10 characters, but longer is better. Avoid using a specific word; longer phrases are better. Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Use a different password for each account. If you can’t remember all your passwords, use a password manager, which securely stores the passwords for you.
• Use multi-factor authentication. Some financial institutions, email providers and social media sites allow users to set accounts for multi-factor authentication, meaning users may need a security code, usually sent as a text to a mobile phone, in addition to usernames and passwords. For added protection, some financial institutions also will send email or text alerts when there is a withdrawal or change to the account. Generally, users can check account profiles at these locations to see what added protections may be available.
• Encrypt and password-protect sensitive data. If keeping financial records, tax returns or any personally identifiable information on computers, this data should be encrypted and protected by a strong password. Also, back-up important data to an external source such as an external hard drive. When disposing of computers, mobile phones or tablets, make sure to wipe the hard drive of all information before throwing it away.

There are also a few additional steps people can take a few times a year to make sure they have not become an identity theft victim. Receive a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year. Check it to make sure there are no credit changes that don’t look familiar. Create a “My Social Security” account online with the Social Security Administration which can be used to see how much income is attributed to your SSN annually. This can help determine if someone else is using your SSN for employment purposes.

The Division of Revenue, the IRS, and the tax industry are committed to working together to fight against tax-related identity theft and to protect taxpayers. Visit the “Taxes. Security. Together.” awareness campaign, or review IRS Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers for additional information.