Jewish organizations in Rhode Island secure over $2M in nonprofit security grants

In a significant move to bolster security for local Jewish institutions, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, along with several other Jewish organizations in the state, have secured over $2 million in federal Nonprofit Security Grants. These funds are designed to enhance the safety and security of Jewish institutions and nonprofits that may be at risk for hate crimes or other acts of violence. For the 2024 fiscal year, over 200 million dollars were allocated by FEMA for state-specific funding to prevent hate crimes and ensure security.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, which played a key role in advocating for these grants, is one of several local organizations benefiting from the funding. Other recipients include Chabad of College Hill, Jewish Collaborative Services, Jewish Children's Home of Rhode Island (operating as Camp JORI), Providence Hebrew Day School, Temple Beth-El Congregation Sons of Israel and David, Temple Emanu-El, Temple Habonim, Temple Sinai, and The Brown Hillel Foundation (Brown RISD Hillel).

This collective effort demonstrates the Jewish community's commitment to safety, especially in light of rising concerns about antisemitic threats and violence, explains Alliance President and CEO Adam Greenman.

“We're excited that so many Jewish institutions received critical funds to bolster their security in this time of rising hatred and antisemitism. I'm really glad that the Alliance was able to provide a grant writer to help so many of these agencies access these important funds,” he added.

The grants will be used to fund a variety of security enhancements, including the installation of security cameras, reinforced doors, and emergency preparedness training to ensure the community is secured against the climate of rising extremism today.

The state’s Jewish institutions have long been centers of religious, cultural and social engagement. With this additional security funding, they are better positioned to continue providing these services while maintaining the safety of their members and visitors.

This funding represents a significant investment in the local Jewish community’s security infrastructure, ensuring that Rhode Island’s Jewish institutions can thrive safely for years to come.

EMMA NEWBERY (enewbery@jewishallianceri.org) is a staff writer and podcast host for Jewish Rhode Island.