Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office welcomes the opening of the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application process, a critical step in helping nonprofit institutions protect their members amid rising security threats.
The NSGP was created in 2005 to address the various security threats facing nonprofits at high risk of terrorist attack. Its funding goes to procuring security enhancements and to hardening vulnerable targets. Agudath Israel has been among a small coalition of groups, led by the Jewish Federations of North America, that has been at the forefront of creating, extending and expanding the program. The NSGP has provided more than $2 billion to nonprofits across the country since its inception.
Last week Agudath Israel was in Washington, DC and met with almost every member of the New Jersey Congressional delegation. One of the main topics raised by the group was the challenges facing New Jersey nonprofits in accessing the federal grant.
“We are grateful that the NSGP application process is now open and that this vital program continues to receive strong federal support,” Shlomo Schorr, Legislative Director of Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, said. “At a time when nonprofit institutions are confronting heightened threats, these grants play an essential role in safeguarding our shuls, schools, and other community organizations. Security at our institutions is not optional — it is a necessity.”
“Participating in these advocacy missions has been an eye-opening experience,” said, Eli Levin, a Jackson resident who joined the recent mission. “Seeing firsthand how our presence in Washington directly influences federal policy and unlocks critical funding like the NSGP is incredibly humbling. It proves that when we show up and articulate our needs, we achieve tangible results for our community’s safety.”
Agudath Israel encourages eligible nonprofits to begin the application process promptly and to work closely with state and local partners to ensure timely submissions. The application process will open up Friday, December 19, and close Sunday, January 11, 2026.
“We will continue to advocate aggressively at every level of government to expand and strengthen the various state and federal security grant programs,” Schorr added. “Protecting our communities must remain a national priority.”
For more information about the NSGP and application guidance, organizations are encouraged to visit the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security websites.