This edition focuses on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) — a crucial lifeline for nonprofit and faith-based institutions facing threats, particularly within the Jewish community.

The NSGP may already be protecting you and your family—it funds everything from security guards at your synagogue these high holidays to enhanced entry systems at your children's school. This funding is more critical than ever. According to ADL data, antisemitic incidents have surged by an astonishing 893% over the past decade. Following the October 7 terrorist attack against Israel, we've seen an unprecedented spike in antisemitic incidents directly targeting synagogues, schools and other Jewish community institutions.

During this High Holiday season—when synagogues see increased attendance and heightened security needs—the following conversation shares a behind-the-scenes look at this increasingly important program and the role we can play in helping all at-risk communities stay safe.

Read on to learn more and take action yourself.

My name is Max Sevillia, ADL's Senior Vice President of National Affairs. I’m joined today by two colleagues who’ve been at the forefront of our security funding advocacy—Lauren Wolman, Senior Director of Government Relations and Strategy, and Meredith Weisel, Vice President of State and Local Advocacy.

Let's start with the reality check. Lauren, when people see security at their synagogue or JCC, that's NSGP at work, right?

Exactly, and it's sobering when you think about it. Those guards checking IDs at your synagogue entrance during High Holidays, the reinforced doors at your JCC, the cameras monitoring your children's Hebrew school—a lot of that comes thanks to funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

But this program isn't just for Jewish institutions such as synagogues. NSGP protects churches, mosques, schools and community centers—any institution facing hate-motivated threats. It's about ensuring all communities can practice their faith and gather safely without fear.

NSGP is the single most tangible way to protect the Jewish community from targeted threats. This program exists because houses of worship, schools and community centers, particularly in the Jewish community, are targets for those who wish to do us harm.

This isn't theoretical. NSGP is literally the barrier between our communities and those who want to harm us.

The stakes couldn't be higher. With antisemitism exploding the way it has, these aren't just nice-to-haves anymore—they're survival tools.

That's exactly right. And while security is crucial, we're fighting on multiple fronts at a crisis point. 

And this isn't just federal work—we're building advocacy coalitions at every level. Communities, states, Congress. Because hate doesn't respect jurisdictional boundaries, and protection shouldn't either. 

Speaking of crisis points—Lauren, when FEMA froze the funding earlier this year, that was terrifying, wasn't it? 

It was like hitting a brick wall at the worst possible moment. Institutions that had been counting on these funds were panicking. Could they hire security guards? Would they have to cancel programming?

We mobilized 79 House members to demand answers from FEMA. The pressure worked! NSGP reimbursements resumed, but those weeks of uncertainty showed us how fragile this lifeline really is.

I remember after Monsey, after Pittsburgh—Jonathan [Greenblatt] stood with congressional leadership, pushing for more funding. We've been building this fight for years.

And we're seeing results. In 2024, we helped secure a historic $454.5 million for NSGP, an increase of $149.5 million. We've grown NSGP from around $300 million to over $450 million, thanks to 300+ advocacy meetings and thousands of emails and phone calls by our volunteers. This has already been a major step forward—but not enough to meet the growing need.

Here's what really drives us: even at record levels, far too many applications still can't be funded. More than half of at-risk institutions are still waiting for protection.

While we've made progress, we know some organizations have questions about this year's program criteria. We're in regular contact with government officials who have affirmed their continued commitment to protecting all faith-based institutions. Our message is clear: eligible organizations should apply for this critical resource. At the same time, the administration should clarify their updated terms and conditions to prevent confusion – any signal that limits eligibility or participation will only exacerbate the dangers facing those institutions.

So we're pushing for permanent increases, with an ultimate goal of $1 billion annually. That sounds ambitious, but given the need...

It's not ambitious—it's necessary. Unfortunately, need is driving this advocacy, and antisemitism today requires a record investment in security. We're building the broadest coalition we've ever assembled through programs like the Community Solidarity and Safety Coalition (CSSC) that we lead in partnership with the National Urban League. We just hosted a webinar for this very group on protecting houses of worship, sharing practical security strategies across communities.

When multiple communities advocate together saying "we all deserve safety," that resonates differently on Capitol Hill. Just a few weeks ago, ADL joined with major Jewish organizations to strongly encourage all eligible institutions to apply for NSGP funding.

The coalition building is game-changing.

Absolutely. And our regional offices are replicating this at the state level. Right now, only 19 states have their own security grant programs. That's nowhere near enough.

With federal funding meeting less than half the need, state programs become crucial.

Exactly. Hate doesn't stop at state lines, and protection shouldn't either. Every at-risk institution deserves access to security funding and training.

I get it—state budgets are tight. But this is life and death. We're working to ensure that organizations can focus on protecting their communities while we help navigate any questions about the application process.

And our volunteer leaders—they're the secret weapon in all this, aren't they?

They're incredible. Almost 10,000 ADL supporters took action in 2025 alone! When legislators see that level of grassroots engagement, they pay attention. Our volunteers make our message impossible to ignore.

Behind all these numbers are real people, real communities. Meredith, I know you have a story that makes this personal.

Very personal. About 10 years ago, I was out for my morning run and passed my synagogue—the place my kids called their second home. As the sun came up, I saw horrific graffiti. Swastikas. Hateful words vandalized on the building.

My heart broke. But because of NSGP funding, both the federal and Maryland's state program, we've transformed our security. Better cameras, fingerprint entry technology, officers at every Shabbat and Holiday. Every day I hear gratitude from our community for the protection these funds provide.

I've had similar conversations with rabbis who tell me how NSGP-funded security measures completely changed their congregation's sense of safety. It's a powerful reminder that this isn't just policy work—it's about protecting the places where we pray, learn, and gather.

As we look ahead to FY26, we're making this our top priority. For anyone ready to make their voice heard—what can they do right now?

Every voice matters. Join us in advocating for increased funding. Contact your members of Congress today. When legislators hear directly from constituents about why security funding matters, that's when change happens.

This is how we protect our communities—together. No one should have to choose between feeling safe and practicing their faith.

Exactly right. For anyone ready to urge their Senator to support increased funding, we have an action that puts the power directly in your hands. Thank you both for this crucial discussion. Stay informed, stay engaged, and together, let's continue building the safer communities we all deserve.