(JTA) — In a program that has benefited Jewish institutions, the Department of Homeland Security has awarded $20 million in security preparedness grants to nonprofit agencies at high risk of attacks.
The allocations for fiscal year 2016, which were announced Wednesday by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, represent a 55 percent increase over last year.
Since its inception 10 years ago, the Nonprofit Security Grants Program has provided more than $184 million to Jewish schools, synagogues and other nonprofits. The money can be used for security training and improved security infrastructure.
William Daroff, senior vice president for public policy and director of the Washington office for Jewish Federations of North America, said the grants “recognize the continued risks facing the nonprofit sector, generally, and the particular threats directed towards the Jewish community, specifically.”
The Orthodox Union’s Advocacy Center and the Agudath Israel’s Washington Office advocated for the increase in security grant funds.
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