Jewish Federations of North America thank the US House of Representatives for its bipartisan vote to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) by $20 million.

By a voice vote Wednesday, the House approved increasing its proposed 2024 allocation for NSGP to $335 million -- $30 million above the current level, and $20 million above the previous figure in the bill. The Senate must also match the increase before it can take effect.

“As we just saw at the start of the High Holiday season, the onslaught of threats and assaults on the Jewish community continues relentlessly," said Karen Paikin Barall, Jewish Federations associate vice president of public affairs. "Jewish Federations thank the House for moving to bolster the nonprofit security grant program, which will support Jewish and other faith communities that are working to secure themselves in the face of increasing extremism and hate. We urge the Senate to match this funding level.”

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides funding support for houses of worship and nonprofits to enhance their security. It also promotes emergency preparedness coordination among private entities, and state and local government.

Jewish Federations President and CEO Eric Fingerhut has called for full funding of the NSGP at $360 million. “It is truly indispensable to the physical security of churches, synagogues, mosques, and all other faith-based places of gathering across the country,” he said. “There's not a security camera or security door that isn't in some way costly and needing the help and support of these resources."