Jewish Community Security Capacity Initiative

Background and Community Need

Our community continues to grieve the horrific loss of life from the most devastating acts of anti-Semitism in American Jewish history.  We still struggle to process a new reality following the Pittsburgh and Poway tragedies in 2018 – one that has us living at a time when, across the United States, anti-Semitic incidents are reaching historic levels.

These issues have led to a reevaluation of Jewish facility/campus security to ensure that buildings and open spaces are as safe as possible while remaining welcoming.  Adequately addressing security measures requires continuous attention, knowledge, and funding on a yearly basis.

Response

The Jewish Community Security Capacity Initiative, a project of Impact Cubed, the Jewish Community Foundation, and the Jewish Federation, supports local Jewish organizations in accessing grant funding to help cover the costs of security-related needs. Services include:

  • Resources for security funding.
  • Information on obtaining no-cost Vulnerability Assessments (government funding requirement) conducted by the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Individualized coaching for grant strategy, development, compliance and reporting.
  • Up to $2,500 to help defray grant writing costs for consultants or staff.

Action Items

As noted, a Vulnerability Assessment is required for government funding and to receive grant writing support through this Initiative. It is important to start this process as soon as possible by contacting the San Diego – Law Enforcement Coordination Center.  Funded by the Department of Homeland Security, the Center provides no-cost Vulnerability Assessments for nonprofits.

The 2021 grant cycle is closed, but click here for information on this past year’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The program distributed a record $180 million in grants to nonprofits and houses of worship for planning, training, and physical security upgrades. Direct questions to Nonprofit.Security.Grant@caloes.ca.gov or (916) 845-8410.

Jewish Federations of North America has launched LiveSecure, an excellent, comprehensive resource of security-related training, tools, and resources.

Project Contacts