The Department of Homeland Security awarded $10 million to 26 local law enforcement and community organizations nationwide through the Countering Violent Extremism Grant Program. These grants are intended to support local efforts to combat terrorism and the spread of terrorism, especially through radical Islam.
The DHS chose communities that face the greatest internal national security threats, Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly said in a press release.
"Shortly after starting at DHS, I requested a thorough policy review of the CVE Grant Program to ensure taxpayer dollars go to programs with the highest likelihood of success, that support the men and women on the front lines of this fight, and that can be self-sustaining into the future. We will closely monitor these efforts to identify and amplify promising approaches to prevent terrorism," he said.
According to the DHS, the grants are designed to develop community resistance to violent extremism recruitment. Additionally, they fund training for local law enforcement for engagement with extremists. Moreover, the grants support programs that deter the further radicalization of potentially radicalized people.
The beneficiaries include police departments, governor’s offices, and media services. A full list can be found here.
The CVE grant program was created by Congress in 2015 and is carried out through the DHS Office for Community Partnerships in partnership with the Federal Management Agency, which ensures the funds are properly used.