Press Releases
Pascrell Announces Over $15 Million in Nonprofit Security Grant Awards for New Jersey Synagogues and ChurchesNew Jersey the third largest recipient of protection grants following Pascrell’s advocacy
Paterson, NJ,
July 16, 2021
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded 82 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) grants totaling $11,686,957, the second largest recipient of any state, of which $1,012,179 will go to protect houses of worship and nonprofits throughout New Jersey’s Ninth Congressional District. Amid a wave of antisemitic and bigoted violence, these awards will support security improvements at nonprofit institutions and help deter threats. “With a growing wave of antisemitism, we must be vigilant. So today I am proud to announce that we have secured over $15 million to protect nonprofit institutions throughout New Jersey, including over $1 million to our communities. Let’s not bury the lead: this money can help save lives,” said Rep. Pascrell, a leading congressional champion of NSGP support. “These awards will improve the safety of nonprofits and go a long way towards giving peace of mind to those across our state. Too many communities in North Jersey and across our state remain a target for antisemitic violence and bigoted terror. As these tragic threats show no sign of abating, I am pushing my colleagues in Washington to increase funds for this critical program. New Jersey is getting its fair share of federal funds because of our advocacy, and I will continue fighting for grants like this that keep our neighbors safe.” With Rep. Pascrell’s support, the following organizations located within the Ninth Congressional District are set to receive NSGP Urban Area funding:
Rep. Pascrell is a vocal champion of the NSGP, most recently pushing for its funding to be doubled in Fiscal Year 2022. The State of New Jersey also received $3,689,206 in NSGP State funding, the seventh-highest amount awarded in Fiscal Year 2021. Rep. Pascrell regularly leads the fight to increase NSGP funding in the House and works around the clock to obtain needed anti-terror grants for New Jersey. He helped secure more than $9.5 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding for New Jersey in July 2020, including $1.08 million for community centers in the Ninth Congressional District. In 2020, Rep. Pascrell helped lead legislation which officially authorized the Nonprofit Security Grant Programs. While the NSGP was previously funded through annual appropriations, the program had never been officially authorized. Pascrell’s Securing American Nonprofit Organizations Against Terrorism Act (H.R.2476) was signed into law later that year. |