SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE RECORD-SETTING $90 MILLION IN SECURITY FUNDING FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; INCLUDED IN FINAL, BIPARTISAN FED BUDGET DEAL, SURGE IN FUNDS IS 50% MORE THAN LAST YEAR

Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program Provides Funding to Protect Synagogues, Churches, Schools, Mosques, And Other Nonprofit Orgs Against Growing Terror and Security Threats

Senators Have Long Pushed To Fund NSGP At Highest Level; Budget Deal Represents a $30 Million Dollar Increase Compared To Last Year’s Funding Amount

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that nonprofit organizations are set to receive $90,000,000 in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), an agreement reached as part of the larger bipartisan budget deal, which was just approved by both chambers. The $90 million represents a substantial increase from last year’s NSGP funding level of $60 million.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides funding to improve the security of nonprofit organizations at risk of being targeted for terror attacks. Synagogues, churches, mosques, schools and other faith-based community centers, like JCCs, are just a few examples of nonprofit organizations that could apply for these funds, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“With horrific hate crimes and terror attacks against places of worship and schools becoming more frequent, we must do all we can to help protect people of all faiths worship and gather in safety and security,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “Federal security funds, like those provided through NSGP, are the cornerstone of effective preparedness and prevention against terror attacks and enable nonprofit organizations, like synagogues, churches, JCCs and mosques, to improve their security. These dollars prevent tragedies and save lives, so it is good news that as part of the federal budget deal we were able to secure an increase in much needed security funds for nonprofit organizations.”  

“New York continues to be a major target for terrorists. This increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is critical for places of worship and nonprofits that are at risk of being attacked by terrorists and other hateful people. These resources will help faith-based community centers enhance their security to prevent attacks,” said U.S. Senator Gillibrand. “It is unacceptable that people in my state and across the country still face the threat of terrorism and violence. I’m proud to lead the push every year for this funding, and I’m pleased that it was included in the year-end spending bill.”

“We applaud Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their leadership in support of needed increased funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP),” said Robert Goldberg, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs for The Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA). “JFNA is a leading advocate for the NSGP program. Attacks against Jewish communities and institutions are on the rise at home and around the world, and the additional funding Congress approved will bolster the ability of at-risk nonprofits across the country to counter those threats through investments in target hardening and preparedness activities. Countering anti-Semitism and physical threats are pressing concerns of JFNA.”

“We at the Orthodox Union are deeply grateful for Senator Schumer’s leadership and Senator Gillibrand’s support for this major increase in federal support for security at our synagogues, schools and other Jewish community institutions,” said Nathan Diament, Executive Director of Public Policy for the Orthodox Union. “Sadly, there is more that must be done to combat the current surge in anti-Semitism; but this 50% increase in funding for security grants is a major step in keeping our communities in New York and across the country safe.”

Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for this robust anti-terrorism funding by pushing to increase funding for the NSGP for Fiscal Year 2020 with a bipartisan coalition of senators and calling on Senate Appropriators to fund the NSGP at the highest possible level in Fiscal Year 2019.

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