Jewish and Muslim Leaders Advocate for Increased Nonprofit Security Funding
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More than 400 Jewish leaders are on Capitol Hill advocating for a significant increase in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This follows a recent deadly shooting at a California mosque and comes as a new bill proposes raising the program's funding to $1 billion and streamlining its reimbursement process. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expects to announce awards for the current fiscal year in June.
Facts First
- Jewish leaders are advocating on Capitol Hill for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).
- A new bill proposes raising NSGP funding to $1 billion and requiring reimbursements within 90 days.
- The NSGP helps nonprofits pay for security upgrades like cameras and bollards, but currently reimburses costs after they are paid.
- FEMA expects to announce awards for fiscal year 2025 in June, following a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown that delayed distribution.
- Recent attacks on a Michigan synagogue and a California mosque highlight the ongoing security concerns for religious institutions.
What Happened
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) organized an advocacy fly-in of more than 400 Jewish leaders to Capitol Hill on May 18, 2026, to request increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This advocacy follows a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 17, 2026, which killed three people. Separately, a bill was proposed on Tuesday seeking to increase NSGP funding to $1 billion, increase resources for state-level administration, require reimbursement within 90 days, and ease limitations on hiring security personnel. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the NSGP, expects to announce awards for fiscal year 2025 in June, after an extended Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown delayed distribution.
Why this Matters to You
If you attend a synagogue, mosque, church, or other nonprofit community center, your safety may be directly affected by this program's funding and rules. The NSGP provides grants for physical security enhancements like reinforced doors, cameras, and barriers, but organizations must pay for these improvements upfront and wait for federal reimbursement, which can strain budgets. A faster reimbursement process, as proposed in the new bill, could make these crucial upgrades more accessible. Furthermore, ensuring equal access to these funds for all faith-based and nonprofit groups is a matter of community security and equity.
What's Next
FEMA is expected to announce the fiscal year 2025 NSGP awards in June. The newly proposed bill to overhaul and significantly increase the program's funding will now move through the legislative process, where its provisions will be debated. Advocacy from groups like JFNA and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which has requested a briefing on equal access to funds, may influence this debate. The outcome of these efforts could determine how quickly and effectively security resources reach vulnerable institutions in the coming year.