DHS releases $94 million of security grants for Jewish institutions as remainder of funding stalls

Grace Gilson, JTA

Published June 30, 2025

(JTA) — The United States Department of Homeland Security has released security grants for Jewish institutions totaling $94 million to support 512 organizations amid a surge in antisemitic violence, including recent attacks in Washington, D.C., and Boulder, Colo. The funding—distributed through FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program—aims to strengthen protections for synagogues, community centers and schools.

Security officers surround the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, on May 22, 2025, following a shooting that left two people dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum the day before. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

“DHS is working to put a stop to the deeply disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks across the United States,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. “That this money is necessary at all is tragic. Antisemitic violence has no place in this country. However, under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that Jewish people in the United States can live free of the threat of violence and terrorism.”

The grants mark the release of around half of the funding still tied up from a Trump administration review of federal spending.

Security grants for Jewish institutions via FEMA’s NSGP

The funding, which is distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), was expected to include the full $220 million that has yet to be released to recipients.

While Jewish institutions nationwide welcomed the $94 million release, local leaders emphasized that the impact on their communities remains unclear.

“We welcome the release of these important funds but are still awaiting details about how they will support grants for our St. Louis community,” said Danny Cohn, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “We also continue to call on DHS to release the remaining Nonprofit Security Grant Program supplemental funds that Congress has already appropriated for Jewish organizations, which will be used to enhance programs and partnerships that continue to keep our community safe.”

NSGP provides funding for faith‑based institutions including synagogues, schools and Jewish community centers to pay for security measures to protect their buildings from attack. Last month, FEMA lifted the Trump administration’s two‑month‑long freeze on funding reimbursements.

Calls for full release of appropriated funds

Lauren Wolman, the director of federal policy and strategy at the Anti‑Defamation League, told Jewish Insider that while the recent funding announcement is welcome, “the job isn’t done.”

“We welcome the Administration awarding $94 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding to help protect over 500 Jewish institutions amid the historic levels of antisemitic threats that ADL is tracking,” said Wolman. “But the job isn’t done. DHS must urgently release the additional NSGP supplemental funds Congress appropriated to meet overwhelming demand and save lives. ADL will continue working with lawmakers and senior officials to underscore both the urgency of increasing funding and moving previously appropriated funding.”