Illinois prioritizes safeguarding our communities

With violent extremism and hate crimes continuing to rise, JUF is making securing and safeguarding our community a top priority.

One major way we’re meeting that challenge is through JUF’s multi-faceted advocacy efforts to fund, implement, and ensure broad access to the Illinois Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP-IL). This initiative provides security funding assistance–including physical security infrastructure, contract security personnel, and preparedness training–to schools, nonprofits, and houses of worship to protect against extremist attacks due to an organization’s profile, ideology, or beliefs.

Back in 2017, Illinois lawmakers passed the NSGP-IL to supplement the chronically oversubscribed federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Yet, the program went unfunded for several years until last year, when the NSGP-IL received a $20 million appropriation.

JUF led advocacy efforts for Governor J.B. Pritzker to include this critical funding in his proposed state budget, and for the Illinois General Assembly to approve the funding by working closely with the Illinois Legislative Jewish, Black, and Asian-American Caucuses, and by creating the Safeguard Illinois Communities Coalition.

Since its inception two years ago, the Coalition has grown to 60 member organizations–with representatives from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Asian-American, LGBTQIA+, Black, and Latino institutions, and other cultural, ethnic, and religious organizations whose communities are vulnerable to attacks and hate-motivated violence.

In the first round of funding, the NSGP-IL saw 116 organizations selected to receive awards totaling $20 million. Then, this year, JUF and the Coalition successfully advocated for another $20 million appropriation in the state’s FY2024 budget, along with a permanent program line item.

In addition to leading the efforts to fund the NSGP-IL, JUF has championed making the program accessible to all vulnerable nonprofits–regardless of size, resources, or ZIP code. We helped advise the implementing agency (the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, IEMA), hosted informational sessions for prospective applicants, offered technical assistance to community organizations, and drafted legislation to address program accessibility concerns.

That legislation, HB 1187, introduced last spring, was chief-sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan and Sen. Ram Villivalam (both members of the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus), and negotiated with IEMA–propelling the bill to pass both Illinois chambers unanimously. Gov. Pritzker, then, signed the legislation in August.

The improvements include:

• Language to better reflect the threat of lone-wolf domestic terrorism facing nonprofits.
• Baseline eligible security upgrades consistent with those of the federal NSGP program.
• Use of vulnerability self-assessment tools.
• A minimum application period of 45 days.
• NSGP-IL outreach, awareness, and technical assistance.

Ultimately, more than 230 organizations applied in the first funding cycle: Of those, 116 groups were awarded, 59 of which were Jewish-affiliated organizations receiving grants totaling over $10 million.

Throughout the application process, JUF’s Government Affairs, Community Program Development, and Security teams supported 52 awardee organizations in the form of direct technical assistance, training resources, or vulnerability assessments.

Looking ahead, JUF’s State Government Affairs will continue to champion safeguarding our entire community.

Testimonials from Safeguard Illinois Communities Coalition members:

“NSGP-IL security enhancements are critically needed given that antisemitic incidents are at an all-time high and the greatest terrorism threat we face is posed by lone actors or small cells of individuals using easily accessible weapons to attack soft targets. We are pleased to be a member of the Safeguard Illinois Communities Coalition to advocate for investments of this type to protect our vitally important community nonprofit organizations.”

Dan Fagin, President & CEO, CJE SeniorLife

“The value of receiving an Illinois Nonprofit Security Grant Program award includes assuring visitors, families, and tourists that their safety is as important as great service. The Safeguard Illinois Communities Coalition clearly understood that improvements for mobility access, enhanced lighting, and security staff will enhance our business visibility and increase event attendance.”

Sherry Williams, President of Bronzeville Historical Society

“In this time of increased negative attention on the LGTBQIA+ community, funding from the Illinois Nonprofit Security Grant Program means that we can ensure the safety and security of the 500,000 community members that pass through our doors annually. The funds awarded will directly support the strengthening of our emergency communications and our security points aligning them with the current, necessary technology of today–projects we truly needed and are grateful for.”

Sam Ostrowski, Center on Halsted

“Working with JUF on securing funding for this program, its equitable implementation, and expansive outreach has been critical to the program’s success.”

Rep. Bob Morgan, Co-Chair, Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus

Jared Hoffman is the Legislative Associate of State Government Affairs and Amy Zimmerman is the Assistant Vice President of State Government Affairs for the Jewish United Fund.