Protecting Sacred Spaces: Why houses of worship should act now on digital indoor mapping grants

For the past several decades, churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship have faced a troubling rise in hostility and violence. In 2025 alone, shootings occurred at houses of worship in 31 out of 50 states, an alarming statistic that underscores the urgent need for proactive safety measures. Too often, first responders arrive at these scenes without vital information, navigating unfamiliar layouts in moments when every second counts. This lack of insight delays response, heightens risk, and can ultimately cost lives.

While recent legislation has focused on K-12 schools, the same digital indoor mapping technologies now mandated for education institutions are equally vital for faith-based buildings. Indoor maps aren’t just meeting legislative requirements; they’re about saving lives. By adopting digital indoor mapping and pursuing available grant funding, religious institutions can strengthen emergency response capabilities and ensure that first responders arrive informed, equipped and ready to act when every second counts.

A Growing Movement Toward Safer Spaces

As of 2025, 18 states including Georgia, Texas, Florida and Maryland have passed legislation requiring digital indoor maps for K-12 schools. While these laws don’t yet mandate the same for houses of worship, they signal a broader shift in public safety expectations. Just like there are grant programs supporting school safety there are also open grants, both federal and non-profit organizations supporting religious institutions.

Faith communities that act now can align with best practices, access critical funding and demonstrate leadership in protecting their congregations.

Why Digital Indoor Maps Matter for Faith-Based Facilities

Digital indoor maps, also known as critical incident maps, are detailed, north oriented, field verified layouts of a building’s interior. These maps include:

• Marked entrances and exits
• Classrooms, sanctuaries, offices and gathering spaces
• Hazard zones and access control points
• Emergency assets like AED, fire extinguishers and first aid kits

Some are designed with the ability to integrate with 9-1-1 and computer-aided dispatch and call handling (CAD/CHE) systems, indoor maps give first responders such as law enforcement, EMS and fire personnel the ability to navigate unfamiliar buildings with speed and precision during an emergency.

For houses of worship that host large gatherings, youth programs or community events, this visibility can be the difference between confusion and coordinated response.

Grant Opportunities for Houses of Worship

While many grants are school-focused, several federal and state programs explicitly include non-profit and faith-based organizations. Here are key opportunities

Federal Grants for Safety and Security

• FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Provides funding for physical security enhancements and activities that are at high risk of terrorist attacks Application window: Opened August 29, 2025 Application Process: Click Here Requirements: Applicant must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and be registered in the federal SAM.gov system Allocation: Maximum amount for an individual is $200,000

Funding streams available under FEMA NSGP

• State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP): Provides funding to help support statewide and state local, tribal and territorial governments build and sustain the capabilities to prevent, prepare for, protect against and respond to acts of terrorism.
• Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): Designated for non-profits in high-risk urban areas identified by the Department of Homeland Security.

Partnering for Peace of Mind

DATAMARK Technologies’ indoor mapping solution is already trusted by school districts and public safety agencies across the country. We offer:

• Real-time, field verified digital and pdf-based maps of every room, hallway and stairwell
• Integration with NG9-1-1 CAD/CHE systems for rapid emergency response
• Easy self-service updates to reflect renovations or layout changes
• Optional integration with CCTV, panic buttons and access control systems

Whether your congregation meets in a historic cathedral or a modern multi-purpose center, DATAMARK Technologies’ indoor mapping solution ensures that first responders can act with clarity and speed.

Safety Is Sacred

Faith based communities are built on trust, care and connection. By investing in digital indoor mapping, houses of worship can honor those values with action by creating safer, more resilient environments for worship, learning and fellowship.

Now is the time to act. With grant funding available and proven technology at your fingertips, your congregation doesn’t have to wait for a mandate to prioritize safety.

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Our end-to-end services provide unparalleled situational awareness, helping responders navigate complex interiors, save precious seconds, and reduce risk for occupants.

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