Executive Summary
In FY2024, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) reached record levels, with the Biden-Harris Administration securing $664 million—more than double the previous year's $305 million appropriation. This historic investment came in response to the unprecedented surge in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Despite this dramatic increase, demand continues to significantly outstrip available resources. Of 7,584 total applications representing nearly $1 billion in funding requests, only 43% were approved. Jewish institutions—the original impetus for the program's creation in 2005—received 37% of all grants, reflecting their continued elevated threat status.
FY2024 Federal NSGP Funding
Total Funding Breakdown
FY2024 NSGP funding came from two primary appropriations: regular congressional appropriations and the Israel Security Supplemental (National Security Supplemental) passed in April 2024.
Regular Appropriations
National Security Supplemental
Total FY2024 Available
Allocation by Program Stream
| Funding Stream | Base Allocation | NSS Supplement | Total | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSGP-Urban Area (NSGP-UA) | $137.25M | $90M | $227.25M | High-risk urban areas |
| NSGP-State (NSGP-S) | $137.25M | $90M | $227.25M | Outside designated urban areas |
| NSS Second Tranche | — | $210M | $210M | Additional supplemental (Oct 2024) |
| TOTAL | $274.5M | $390M | $664.5M |
First Cycle Results (May 2024)
In the first allocation cycle, FEMA distributed $454.5 million to over 3,200 faith-based and nonprofit organizations. This represented the largest single NSGP allocation in the program's history. The remaining $210 million was made available through a separate application process announced in October 2024.
Per-Site Grant Limits
| Parameter | Federal NSGP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum per site | $200,000 | Per physical location |
| Sites per funding stream | 3 sites | 3 for NSGP-UA + 3 for NSGP-S possible |
| Maximum per organization | $600,000 | Across all sites and streams |
| Period of performance | 36 months | From date of award |
State Supplemental Programs
Several states have established their own nonprofit security grant programs to supplement federal funding, recognizing that NSGP demand far exceeds available federal resources.
Major State Programs (2024)
| State | Program | FY2024-25 Funding | Max Per Site | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | CA State NSGP | $160M (2-yr) | $250,000 | $80M/year; largest state program |
| New York | Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes | $108.7M | $50,000+ | $63.9M state + $44.8M federal |
| Florida | FL NSGP + Jewish School Grants | $45M+ | Varies | $25M for Jewish day schools |
| Connecticut | CT Nonprofit Security Grants | $5M | $50,000 | Established 2021 |
| New Jersey | NJ Nonprofit Security | $10M+ | Varies | Multiple programs |
| Maryland | MD Nonprofit Security | $5M+ | Varies | State supplement |
| Ohio | OH Nonprofit Security | $3M+ | Varies | Growing program |
| Illinois | IL Nonprofit Security | $4M+ | Varies | Chicago area focus |
California Deep Dive: $160M Commitment
California's program, established in 2019 pursuant to AB 1548 (Gabriel), has become the most popular grant administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Following October 7, 2023, the state dramatically expanded funding.
FY2024-25 Allocation
FY2025-26 Commitment
Program Total Since 2015
In March 2025, California announced 347 community groups and nonprofit organizations would receive funding from the $76M allocation to protect them from hate-motivated violence. Recipients include synagogues, day schools, Jewish community centers, LGBTQ+ centers, and reproductive health facilities.
New York Deep Dive: $108.7M Combined
New York operates both state and federal programs, combining resources to protect the nation's largest Jewish population outside Israel.
| Source | Amount | Recipients | Area Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY State (SCAHC) | $63.9M | 636 organizations | Statewide |
| Federal NSGP (NY allocation) | $44.8M | 223 organizations | Religious institutions at-risk |
| — NYC Metro | $36M | — | Five boroughs area |
| — Upstate NY | $8.8M | — | Outside NYC metro |
| Total NY Combined | $108.7M | 859+ organizations |
Since 2021, New York has awarded $131.5 million in security grants to nonprofits, religious groups, and community organizations—reflecting the state's recognition of persistent threat levels.
How Funding Is Allocated
Allowable Costs & Activities
NSGP funding is focused on facility hardening and physical security enhancements. Funds can be used for acquisition, installation, and contracted services in several key categories:
🔒 Physical Security Equipment
- Security cameras & CCTV systems
- Access control systems
- Barriers, fencing, bollards
- Reinforced doors & windows
- Security lighting
- Blast-resistant receptacles
👮 Security Personnel
- Contracted security guards
- Professional security services
- Monitoring & response services
- Subject to program guidelines
📋 Planning & Training
- Security plan development
- Active shooter training
- Emergency preparedness exercises
- Staff security training
- Evacuation drills
📡 Communication Systems
- Emergency alert systems
- Mass notification systems
- PA systems
- Handheld radios
- Intrusion detection
Recipient Breakdown (FY2024)
Record First-Time Applicant Success
71% of FY2024 grant recipients were applying for the first time, including a large number of smaller institutions. This represents a significant expansion of the program's reach, including record funding for Jewish summer camps. The high first-time rate reflects both increased threat awareness post-October 7 and improved outreach by organizations like the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and the Secure Community Network (SCN).
Application Success Rate
Local Community Security Costs
Per Capita Federal Funding Analysis
Understanding how NSGP funding translates to per-person security investment helps contextualize the adequacy of current funding levels.
| Metric | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Total FY2024 Federal NSGP | Allocated funding | $454.5M (first tranche) |
| Jewish Institutional Share | 37% of awards | ~$168M |
| U.S. Jewish Population | Estimated 2024 | 7.5–7.7 million |
| Federal Per Capita (Jewish) | $168M ÷ 7.6M | ~$22/person |
| Total NSGP Per Capita | $454.5M ÷ 7.6M | ~$60/person |
What Security Actually Costs: Local Institution Examples
Most Jewish institutions must supplement grant funding with their own resources. Based on industry standards and community reports:
| Security Measure | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Armed security guard (1 shift) | $50,000–$80,000/yr | Per guard; larger sites need multiple |
| CCTV system (basic) | $15,000–$50,000 | 8-16 cameras with monitoring |
| Access control system | $10,000–$40,000 | Card readers, locks, integration |
| Perimeter fencing/barriers | $20,000–$100,000+ | Varies significantly by site |
| Reinforced doors/windows | $5,000–$25,000 | Per entry point |
| Security training (annual) | $2,000–$10,000 | Staff and volunteer training |
| Typical Total (Small Synagogue) | $75,000–$150,000 | First-year comprehensive upgrade |
| Typical Total (JCC/Day School) | $200,000–$500,000 | Larger facilities, more complexity |
Average Community Self-Funding
Given that NSGP grants typically cover $100,000–$200,000 of costs, communities must often match or exceed grant amounts with their own funds:
The Funding Gap Reality
Average local community contribution: Communities typically spend $50,000–$200,000 annually on security beyond grant funding. Smaller communities without federation support often struggle to maintain even basic security measures. The Community Security Initiative (CSI) in New York offers bridge loans to help organizations cover costs before grant reimbursement.
Funding Trends & Future Outlook
NSGP Funding History (2019–2025)
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Future Outlook
FY2025 Funding Concerns
Despite bipartisan support with 130+ House members backing a $500 million request, FY2025 faces headwinds. The Trump administration has proposed significant cuts to FEMA's non-emergency grants—a category that includes NSGP—and has not yet specified a budget line-item for the program. The current continuing resolution maintains funding at FY2024 base levels ($274.5M), a significant reduction from the supplemental-enhanced totals.
Strong Bipartisan Support
In May 2025, Reps. Amo and McCaul led a bipartisan request from 130+ House members for record $500 million funding—the highest request in program history. Jewish organizations (ADL, JFNA, Orthodox Union) continue to advocate for this level, citing the 1,700+ antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish institutions recorded by ADL in 2024.
Program Impact: Key Statistics
| Metric | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Program inception | 2005 | 20 years of operation |
| Total awarded (2005–2024) | $2+ billion | Cumulative since inception |
| Jewish institutional share (historical) | 60–97% | Varied by year; declining as program expands |
| Faith-based recipients | 97% | Between 2011–2021 |
| Colleyville impact | Credited | Rabbi credited NSGP for security measures |
Conclusions & Key Takeaways
1. Record but insufficient: FY2024's $664M represented historic investment, yet 57% of applications ($520M in requests) went unfunded. Demand continues to far exceed supply.
2. State programs are essential: California ($160M) and New York ($109M) demonstrate that state supplements have become critical infrastructure, not optional additions.
3. Jewish communities remain primary beneficiaries: 37% of grants went to Jewish institutions, reflecting their elevated threat status—consistent with the program's original purpose following JFNA advocacy in 2001.
4. Local costs exceed grants: Communities typically spend $50,000–$400,000+ annually beyond grant funding on security, creating significant burden especially for smaller institutions.