By JESSICA ANDERSON
FREE MONEY!
I got your attention, didn’t I? With the costs of running organizations increasing, Executive Directors are always looking to find new sources of funding. Funding for security is a particular issue these days, and I’m here to share some information about two sources that are available to all Jewish organizations across the state and how JFGP is assisting in those efforts. 
FEMA distributes significant funds each year, and one of these mechanisms is through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Once a year, non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for up to $150,000 in funding for safety and security improvements. This specific program focuses on organizations that are susceptible to acts of terrorism or ideological criminal activity. Jewish organizations have been particularly successful in meeting this bar. In 2024, FEMA received a record 7,500 applications for a total request of almost $1 billion in funding. Congress had appropriated a record $454 million so only 45 percent of the applicants received funding - further evidence that it is a very difficult award to receive. Thirty-one organizations in Oregon received funding this year including eight Jewish organizations. 
Due to the Israel-Hamas war, Congress passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act and through this, DHS received an additional funding package to supplement NSGP funding. $180 million of it was used in the 2024 NSGP process and the remaining $210 million will now be awarded through the NSGP National Security Supplement. Think of it like a mini, second NSGP with a focus in protecting organizations from impacts of the Israel-Hamas war. 
All Jewish organizations in Oregon have been notified about this opportunity. Part of my role is helping them navigate this process and have the information they need to prepare a successful application. Registration is due by Nov. 29 and application submission by Dec. 31. Awardees will be notified in Spring 2025. 
Another stream of funds available for safety and security is a newly developed grant program for all Oregon and SW Washington Jewish organizations that choose to participate in the JFGP Security Program. Thanks to a partnership with JFNA’s LiveSecure (https://www.jewishfederations.org/livesecure) and generous local donors, JFGP has $250,000 to provide directly to local organizations. This year, grants of either $6,000 or $12,500 are awarded for use towards security guards or physical improvements and we anticipate higher funding levels may be possible next year. The funding rates are different based on whether the organization has already received an NSGP award. To date, JFGP has already approved almost $100,000 in grants and this program has been particularly useful for small organizations which may not be competitive for FEMA’s NSGP program. Questions about the JFGP Security Fund should be directed to Jessica Anderson at janderson@securecommunitynetwork.org or 872-273-9214.