Blumenthal Seeks Data on Security Grant Program

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem seeking data about previous applications to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to help inform Congress about how the program should be funded for the upcoming fiscal year.

“As I travel around Connecticut and hear from community leaders here and around the country, I am struck by the severely heightened anxiety and apprehension about physical threats to places of worship and community centers involving hate-based violence,” Blumenthal wrote.

“Recently, I have called for dramatically increasing funding for NSGP to $1 billion and for increasing funding and resources for other programs to keep pace with the violence we are seeing in our communities. I am disappointed that the proposal released Friday night by Senate Republicans for Fiscal Year 2026 includes only $330 million for NSGP, far short of my request and the program’s clear need, with reports indicating recipients requested approximately $1 billion from FEMA in 2024 alone.”

Last week, Blumenthal wrote the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Chairs and Ranking Members of its Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies calling for a dramatic increase in resources for programs that combat hate-based violence through security and prevention, including by appropriating no less than $1 billion to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), making significant investments to the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act (NO HATE Act), and reestablishing and fully funding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Relations Service (CRS).

On Friday, he joined leaders from the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticut at an event in West Hartford, Connecticut, calling on Congress to robustly fund NSGP and the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act grant program.

The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below.

Dear Secretary Noem,

In recent years we have, unfortunately, seen a rise in antisemitism, extremist ideology, and hate-based violence. As I travel around Connecticut and hear from community leaders here and around the country, I am struck by the severely heightened anxiety and apprehension about physical threats to places of worship and community centers involving hate-based violence. One of the most important tools at our disposal to combat such hate and protect religious institutions and minority communities is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

Recently, I have called for dramatically increasing funding for NSGP to $1 billion and for increasing funding and resources for other programs to keep pace with the violence we are seeing in our communities. I am disappointed that the proposal released Friday night by Senate Republicans for Fiscal Year 2026 includes only $330 million for NSGP, far short of my request and the program’s clear need, with reports indicating recipients requested approximately $1 billion from FEMA in 2024 alone.

It is critical for Congress to have fulsome data about past NSGP applications and awards as we work towards completion of Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. Please provide me with the following information for Fiscal Years 2023, 2024, and 2025, disaggregated by fiscal year and FEMA region, by no later than January 6, 2026:

1. The number of grant applications submitted to the NSGP;
2. The number of awards made under the NSGP;
3. For each award where the recipient received less money than requested in their application, the requested funding, received funding, and reason for the difference; and
4. Any resources or assistance FEMA provides to unsuccessful applicants to improve their application in future years and to ensure safety and security in the meantime.

Thank you for your attention to this letter. I look forward to receiving your response.

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