Jewish Federations of North America organized a bipartisan letter urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to extend the window for states and organizations to submit Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) applications.  

 

Signed by 58 members of Congress, the letter argues that the FY26 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) “[leaves] states and eligible nonprofit organizations insufficient time to complete the application process,” thereby “jeopardizing the program’s stated intent to ‘integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts.’” 

 

The letter also highlights the “consistently demonstrated bipartisan support for the NSGP,” with Congress “recognizing its lifesaving ability to help at-risk organizations secure themselves against evolving security threats.” Under the current timeline for NSGP applications, there are “significant administrative constraints...potentially limiting full and fair participation in this year’s grant cycle.” 

 

Jewish Federations have worked tirelessly to expand funding for and access to the NSGP since its creation in 2004. Amid an increasingly challenging threat environment facing Jewish and other faith communities, Federations have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the NSGP can adapt accordingly. 

 

"At a time of rising threats against faith-based communal institutions, Congress has made clear that protecting vulnerable communities is a bipartisan priority," said Jewish Federations President and CEO Eric D. Fingerhut. "Giving State Administrative Agencies and nonprofit organizations adequate time to complete FEMA's application process will help ensure these critical security resources reach those NSGP is designed to protect. We thank Representatives Grace Meng and David Joyce and their bipartisan colleagues for their leadership in urging FEMA to extend the application deadline."