Shuls and Schools Can Receive $100,000 in Security Upgrades

By Zalman Myer-Smith

2020 was such a tumultuous year. Shuls, centers, and schools had to respond to COVID 19, shutdowns, ceasing of operations, and an absolutely unprecedented reality. Despite the pandemic, antisemitic incidents still occurred at numerous locations. Online hate also increased including zoom bombing. States large and small continued to endure hate crimes. We may have quarantined but hate did not.

Thank G-d, this year a significant number of shuls, schools, Chabad Houses, and community centers have upgraded their security protocols and systems and have developed best practices to proactively respond to a myriad of security emergencies.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers a program known as the Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to non-profits including houses of worship of all faiths, federations, and other entities. The goal of the program is to upgrade security at non-profit sites to mitigate acts of terrorism.

This grant is highly competitive and getting awarded is not guaranteed. It’s an amazing gift to sites and covers a wide range of physical security improvements. This can include gates, fences, security cameras, lighting, impact-resistant doors, windows, and even contracted security officers to help augment the security of your operations.

In 2021, you can apply for the maximum award amount of $100,000. We work with five amazing grant writers with stellar records and high success rates for the successful writing and management of this grant.

Go to www.JewishCommunityGrants.com to receive a no-charge 15-minute consultation to identify the best strategy to ensure you are successful in being awarded this grant and ensuring it is fulfilled appropriately.

Every site has a responsibility for the safety and security of its congregants and students. There are legal and ethical challenges in not having appropriate life protecting security in place and there is no excuse for not at least attempting to be awarded these critical funds.

It is anticipated that the DHS will announce the opening of the grant in February 2021. There will be an exceedingly short window of time to gather information, research, write and submit the grant. We strongly encourage you to take action and not delay in applying for this grant opportunity.

Wishing you only continued success in ensuring the security and safety of your site and community.

Zalman Myer-Smith is the Executive Director of www.thecso.org, a Florida based volunteer Community Security Organization liaising, training, and working with law enforcement agencies and serving Jewish community synagogues, schools, and centers. Zalman is also the Director of Security for both Lubavitch Educational Center in Miami and for Chabad of Florida.