U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded $18,919,125 in Nonprofit Security Grant (NSGP) funding to New Jersey, of which $570,000 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 $18 million to protect nonprofit institutions throughout New Jersey, including $600,000 for communities in our district. Let’s not bury the lead: this money can help save lives,” said Rep. Pascrell, the Congress’s leading 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 religiously motivated violence and bigoted terror. As these tragic threats show no sign of abating, I am constantly 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.”

“The Nonprofit Security Grant Program has had a transformational effect in improving the security of our most at-risk faith based and nonprofit organizations,” said Joshua Cohen, Director of Government Relations for Jewish Federations of New Jersey.  “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Pascrell for his leadership in securing these grants for our state. The increase in available resources will better prepare and protect communities from the growing terrorist and violent extremist threats that they face.”

With Rep. Pascrell’s support, the following organizations located within the Ninth Congressional District are set to receive NSGP funding:

Rep. Pascrell is a vocal champion of the NSGP, most recently pushing for $360 million for the program for Fiscal Year 2023. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security listened to Rep. Pascrell’s calls and included the full $360 million for the NSGP to protect houses of worship from rising domestic extremism threats.

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 District. In 2020, Rep. Pascrell helped lead legislation which officially authorized the Nonprofit Security Grant Programs because the programs only been previously funded through annual appropriations process and had never been officially authorized.