Helping Jewish Atlanta’s Nonprofits Access Vital Safety Funding

Jewish Atlanta’s safety is a shared responsibility — and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, through its partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN), is ensuring that every organization has access to the tools and funding they need to stay protected. 

Each year, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides federal funding through FEMA and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to help religious and nonprofit institutions strengthen their security. These grants can fund everything from cameras and locks to lighting, access control systems, and even security personnel — essential measures that keep our synagogues, schools, and community centers safe. 

But the application process is complex, and smaller nonprofits often don’t have the resources to navigate it. That’s where Federation and SCN come in. “When an organization applies, they must submit a ‘Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment’,” explains Brian Davis, Federation’s Director of Community Security. “Our team visits each campus, reviews existing systems, and recommends improvements — everything from lighting to building access.” 

In addition to conducting roughly 25 professional threat assessments each year — covering about 80 partner organizations on a three-year rotation — Federation also provides direct support during the grant-writing phase. Through SCN, Atlanta’s Jewish community has access to a full-time national grant writer, and locally, Federation funded 11 grant writers in 2024 alone to help partner organizations craft strong, competitive proposals. 

The impact has been extraordinary. From 2022 to 2024, Federation and SCN helped Jewish Atlanta bring in more than $6.8 million in federal security grants — funds that directly strengthen our community’s ability to prevent and respond to threats. 

Federation’s role doesn’t stop there. Recognizing that many nonprofits couldn’t front the money required to complete projects before reimbursement, Federation created a Security Bridge Loan program — lending up to $150,000 so organizations can complete their security upgrades without delay. “That’s been a game-changer,” Davis says. “It’s allowed organizations to take advantage of federal funding they otherwise couldn’t access.” 

For donors, this work represents the very heart of Federation’s mission: serving as a resource and safety net for the entire Jewish community. Their generosity ensures that every Jewish institution — no matter its size — has the protection and peace of mind it deserves. 

If your organization is interested in applying for a security grant, contact Brian Davis and the Secure Community Network team to get started. Email Brian at bdavis@jewishatlanta.org today!