The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella, applauds the United States Department of Homeland Security for this year’s allocation of security funds through its Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This year, more than $9 million has been awarded, with a significant portion of the 142 grants going to Jewish nonprofits. Jewish institutions will use these grants for target hardening and preparedness training to ensure the safety and security of their buildings and communities.

This year, the OU helped many Orthodox community schools and synagogues apply for the funding opportunity. Together with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, the OU co-hosted an interactive webinar to share best practices about the grant application process with Jewish institutions across the country.

In partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America, the OU spearheaded the creation of the NSGP seven years ago, and has consistently worked to ensure Congress’ annual appropriation of these funds.

Nathan Diament, the OU’s executive director for public policy, stated, “In this time of need, it is imperative that our institutions are able to be secure. We applaud the Department of Homeland Security and outgoing Secretary Janet Napolitano for her assistance in maintaining this important program. Similarly, we thank our Congressional champions Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and Representatives Hal Rogers (R-KY) and David Price (D-NC) for assuring that the NSGP remains in the budget year after year.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)