Faith-based organizations, including religious private schools, face unique security challenges, making the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) a vital resource for enhancing campus safety. With $210 million of additional funding released in October 2024 through FEMA, this program provides a unique opportunity to fund cutting-edge emergency alert and communication systems including the Carina System. This article outlines why your religious private school should apply and how Wahsega solutions align with NSGP’s mission.
What is the NSGP?
The NSGP is designed to help nonprofit organizations, including religious schools, mitigate risks associated with terrorism and extremist threats. Funding supports physical and cybersecurity enhancements, ensuring vulnerable institutions can protect their communities.
Key NSGP objectives:
- Strengthen security at soft targets like schools.
- Facilitate rapid emergency communication.
- Promote preparedness activities integrated with local and state efforts.
Why Carina?
Carina offers advanced emergency communication capabilities that align with the NSGP’s funding priorities. These features provide real-time communication, helping your school respond to threats and protect lives effectively.
Core functionalities of the Carina system include:
- Emergency Alerts:
- Announce emergencies such as severe weather, lockdowns, or intruder situations with instant, clear communication across the campus.
- Notifications can be triggered from a variety of school-approved methods, ensuring rapid response.
- Multiple Emergency Signal Options for Teachers:
- Panic / Call Buttons: Teachers can signal emergencies by using panic buttons installed in classrooms or offices.
- Carina Radio Controller: Staff carrying radios can activate emergency alerts directly from their radios through the Carina Radio Controller.
- Carina Classroom Microphone: Teachers can signal an emergency by pressing the call button on the Carina Classroom Microphone seven times.
- Scalable and Customizable:
- Supports multiple zones, allowing schools to tailor notifications to specific buildings or the entire campus.
- Integrates seamlessly with other security and communication systems including Raptor Alert®.
- Reliability and Durability:
- Designed to function during power outages and extreme weather, ensuring uninterrupted communication in emergencies.
Why Religious Private Schools Should Act Now
Religious schools often face increased risks due to their affiliation with faith-based missions, making them a priority under the NSGP. Schools in this category receive additional review points, improving their chances of approval.
Benefits of applying for NSGP funding:
- Financial Support for High-Priority Needs: Cover the costs of installing the Carina system to enhance campus safety.
- Peace of Mind for Families: Show your community that you are proactively protecting students and staff.
- Preparedness for Emergencies: Equip your school with tools to respond quickly and effectively to threats.
How to Apply for the NSGP
To secure funding for the Carina system, follow these steps:
- Collaborate with Your State Administrative Agency (SAA): Confirm any state-specific requirements.
- Obtain Your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Ensure your school is registered under the federal system.
- Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment: Identify risks and justify how the Carina system addresses these vulnerabilities.
- Prepare an Investment Justification (IJ): Highlight how the Carina system enhances emergency communication and aligns with the NSGP’s goals. Include the system’s ability to send alerts, support multiple communication methods, and integrate with existing preparedness plans.
- Submit Your Application: Work with your SAA to meet all deadlines and requirements.
Why Wahsega is the Right Choice for NSGP-Funded Projects
Wahsega offers expertise and solutions tailored to meet the needs of schools seeking NSGP funding. Here’s why Wahsega stands out:
- Engineered, Designed, and Assembled in the USA: Wahsega products are proudly developed in the USA, ensuring the highest quality and reliability.
- Compliant with FEMA Guidelines: Wahsega products do not use prohibited telecommunications equipment, as defined by Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. This ensures compliance with FEMA regulations and mitigates security concerns associated with restricted equipment or manufacturers.
- Grant-Aligned Solutions: Carina’s features, including emergency alerts and customizable communication tools, directly address NSGP’s objectives for enhancing physical security and emergency readiness.
- Proven Safety and Innovation: Carina’s scalable systems are built to withstand diverse challenges, from natural disasters to security threats.
Take Action Today
State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) must submit applications to FEMA on behalf of state and local organizations soon. With limited funding and high demand, now is the time to prepare your application.
Contact us to learn how Carina can be part of your school’s safety plan. Our team can provide guidance on system configuration installation planning to ensure your school is ready for any emergency.
Let’s work together to create a safer learning environment for your students and staff.
How can we help?
Related Posts
Immediate & Remote District-Wide Live Broadcast Made Easy
In today’s fast-paced environment, the ability to communicate quickly and efficiently across an entire school district has become a necessity.
Sending School-Wide Emergency Alerts from Radios
The Carina Radio Controller enables instant emergency alerts and two-way communication from school radios, streamlining safety and saving time when it matters most.
Updated IP Display and Speaker Unboxing Videos
Do you ever wonder what exactly comes in the box when you purchase a Carina Wall Mount Speaker, IP Display, or a 2×2 Ceiling Speaker? Whether you’re considering purchasing our hardware or just received your order, these unboxing videos are made for you.