The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that New Jersey was awarded Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding totaling $7,368,211, of which $569,302 will go to the state’s ninth congressional district. The NSGP award is the third largest given to a state this year, and it comes as a direct result of U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell’s (D-NJ-09) nearly decade-long advocacy for this funding in the House Appropriations Committee.

“These critical federal funds will help nonprofit organizations across New Jersey. Unfortunately, the continued rise in hate across our state and nation has made these grants necessary. Far too many in North Jersey do not feel secure in their place of worship. People should not be targeted for their beliefs,” said Rep. Pascrell. “For over a decade I have fought tooth and nail to bolster funds for this program. Thankfully, our concerns are now being heeded and New Jerseyans are taking advantage.”

“We are extremely grateful for Congressman Pascrell’s steadfast leadership in helping to secure this grant for our state,” said Joshua Cohen, who is the director of government relations for the Jewish Federations of New Jersey (JFNJ).

Nonprofit recipients of NSGP grants in New Jersey’s ninth congressional district include the Sephardic Congregation of Fort Lee, Bais Yakov Machon Ora, Congregation Adas Emuno, Congregation Bais Torah Utfilah, Congregation Beth Israel of the Palisades and Kahilas Bais Yosef.