Boro Park Shuls and Mosdos to Receive Step-by-Step Guidance for $200,000 Security Grant Application

by M.C. Millman

The Boro Park JCC (BPJCC) and the Community Security Initiative (CSI) will hold a Security Summit for Boro Park shuls and mosdos on Tuesday, March 12 to guide non-profits in the step-by-step process of applying for this year's New York State Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) initiative offering $200,000 in security funding as reported by BoroPark24 here.

The tremendous increase in antisemitic hate crimes that plague the city have created an even greater need for the funds which Governor Kathy Hochul signed onto this year. The summit, which is open to all Boro Park shuls and mosdos, came after Governor Kathy Hochul announced the release of this year's round of funding for the SCAHC. It will clarify the application process for state and federal security grants. 

"For the very first time," Avi Greenstein, BPJCC CEO, shares with BoroPark24, "Boro Park shuls and mosdos will get clear guidance on how to apply for these applications so that every organization will have the ability to receive this funding and increase their security."  

Dov Horwitz, CSI Director, Physical Security Programs, will be presenting at the summit, sharing the step-by-step process involved in applying for annual security grant opportunities, including the annual Federal Non-profit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which offered $150,000 in funding last year for increasing security in non-profits nationwide. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session as well as meet one-on-one with experts in the field.

The summit, which will be the first in a series, also offers the opportunity to sign up for a Risk assessment for each shul - an estimated $4000 value and a requirement for the NSGP grant application.

"CSI now has a full-time spot with the BPJCC,” Mitchell D. Silber, Community Security Initiative Executive Director, shares with BoroPark24, “and we think that's an important milestone - as part of CSI's mission to keep Brooklyn safe. We appreciate the partnership with Avi and the BPJCC. We made this event in order to help Brooklyn institutions apply for NYS security funding as this is yet another way to safeguard our schools, JCCs, yeshivas, and other Jewish institutions through increased physical security.” 

"While the process might seem daunting," Avi Greenstein, BPJCC CEO, shares with BoroPark24, "we are going to smooth the way and explain the process in a simple, step-by-step fashion so that every shul in Boro Park will understand what they need to do to apply and keep their kehillos and schools that much safer. Even if they aren't ready to apply for this year's application, we are going to help them get started with the prequalification process so that by next year, they will understand what's needed and be ready to apply and actually get the grant."

To register for the BPJCC Security Summit, click here.