TO: SYNAGOGUE, DAY SCHOOL & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

FROM: NATHAN J. DIAMENT, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY
FRANK BUCHWEITZ, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE & SPECIAL PROJECTS

RE: HOMELAND SECURITY SUBSIDIES FOR AT RISK NON PROFITS

DATE: APRIL 30, 2007

After intense advocacy by a coalition that included the OU/IPA, United Jewish Communities, and other non-profit leaders, on April 27, 2007, the US Department of Homeland Security released guidance and application criteria for $24 million in grant subsidies to vulnerable non-profits for target hardening improvements.

Non-profits are eligible for a grant of up to $100,000 to be disbursed by each state’s homeland security/public safety department, who must submit their applications to DHS by June 22, 2007.

Therefore each state will be requiring applications to them to be submitted significantly earlier than the deadline. For example, NYS will be accepting applications May 16 – June 8, 2007.

Applications will be evaluated based on the level of credible threat to the site, its historic or symbolic significance, and the site or organization’s role in responding to a terrorist attack, natural disaster or national emergency.

This year, funding will also be available for specified training and will require a 75%/25% “soft match” by the applicants.

The OU will be posting relevant documentation from DHS on our website (www.ou.org/public_affairs) and is available as a resource for interested congregations.

JCRC of New York is holding an informational workshop on May 16, 2007 between 10:00 AM – 12 Noon at UJA-Federation of New York. Please see: for information on RSVP. OU/IPA urges all interested parties in the greater NY area to attend the workshop. Congregations and institutions in other areas should reach out to their local federation/JCRC regarding similar workshops.

IPA Deputy Director Howie Beigelman is available at 212-613-8123 or at howieb@ou.org to answer questions and serve as a resource to congregations.

We look forward to working with you to the benefit of our community.
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Please make use of this LINK to access the Department of Homeland Security Program Guidance and Application Kit.