SYNAGOGUES
Security Grants for Synagogues
$600K
Federal NSGP maximum per organization
17+
State security grant programs we work with
Why Synagogues Apply
The federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) pays for physical security upgrades at nonprofits at risk of attack because of their beliefs or mission. Synagogues and Jewish day schools have been among the largest groups of applicants across multiple cycles, and the competition reflects it: strong applications are specific, well documented and written to the scoring criteria.
That is the work we do. We write federal and state security grant applications for synagogues, yeshivas, day schools and Jewish community organizations, and manage awards through reimbursement when clients want that support.
Is My Synagogue Eligible?
- A 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Synagogues are tax-exempt under federal rules even without an IRS determination letter, though some state agencies still ask for proof of status
- Synagogues, Jewish day schools, yeshivas, preschools, mikvahs, JCCs and other community organizations
- Must occupy the facility (owned or leased) at the time of application
- Must be at risk of attack because of its beliefs, mission or community. No prior attack is required
- Organizations with more than one building can apply for each site separately
What a Synagogue Security Grant Can Pay For
Common synagogue and school projects funded through federal and state security grants include:
Access Control
Electronic locks, card or fob entry, and controlled entry for sanctuaries, offices and classrooms
Cameras and Monitoring
CCTV coverage of entrances, parking lots and hallways
Doors and Windows
Reinforced doors, hardware upgrades and security film
Perimeter and Lighting
Fencing, gates, bollards and exterior lighting
Alerts and Communication
Panic buttons, intrusion alarms and mass notification systems
Training and Planning
Active threat training, emergency plans and drills for staff and volunteer security teams
Results for Synagogues
Client names are withheld to protect their security.
- Synagogue, New York: applications under the federal NSGP and New York SCAHC. Three grants won, more than $235,000 in total, then managed through reimbursement.
- California, 2025: every SGA client in the 2025 California State NSGP cycle was funded, more than $2.1 million in total.
Results vary by program, state and funding cycle.
Federal and State Grants Your Synagogue Can Apply For
The federal NSGP is open to synagogues in every state. Many states also run their own programs, and an organization can often apply to both, as long as each grant funds different items. Programs worth a close look include:
- New York Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC)
- New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP)
- California State NSGP (CSNSGP)
- Florida Nonprofit Security Grant Program (FL-NSGP)
- Illinois Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP-IL)
- Pennsylvania Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program
- Maryland Protecting Against Hate Crimes (PAHC)
- Massachusetts Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant (CNSGP)
We work across 17+ state programs and serve organizations in all 50 states.
How It Works
- Free consultation. A short call to confirm your organization’s eligibility and identify which programs fit.
- Project list and budget. We help you decide what to ask for and what it will cost, before anything is written.
- Vulnerability assessment. A third-party assessor reviews your site. We make sure the assessment and the application line up.
- Application writing. We research your threat case and write the full application to the program’s scoring criteria. Your time commitment is measured in hours, not weeks.
- Submission and beyond. We guide submission through your state agency. If you win, we can also help with procurement, reimbursement and compliance as a separate engagement.
Our founder spent more than 15 years in federal law enforcement before building a practice focused only on security grants. We know what makes a threat case credible to reviewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers for synagogues and Jewish organizations considering a security grant.
Does our synagogue need to have been attacked or threatened to qualify?
No. Prior incidents strengthen an application, but organizations without them can still make a strong case by documenting regional threats, attacks on similar institutions, and the specific vulnerabilities of their building.
Do we need a 501(c)(3) determination letter?
Not under federal rules. Synagogues are tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) without one. In practice, many state agencies that run the NSGP still expect proof of status, so we check what your state requires and help you document it.
Can a grant pay for security guards?
Grants can fund contract security from a professional provider, within each program’s limits. They do not pay members or volunteers. Training for your volunteer security team is often fundable.
Is there a cost share?
The federal NSGP has no match requirement. It is a reimbursement program, so your organization pays vendors first and is repaid, which takes some cash flow planning.
Can our day school, yeshiva or preschool apply?
Yes. Schools and other programs that operate from an eligible facility can apply, and a separate building can often apply on its own.
How do we get started?
Book a free 15-minute call. We will tell you which programs your organization is eligible for and what a realistic project could look like, whether or not you retain us. Book a free call.