A bipartisan group of religious leaders and lawmakers is pushing Congress to allocate $1 billion for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides federal money to houses of worship for security upgrades like cameras, reinforced doors, and armed guards.
The program currently faces a funding crunch. In 2024, only about one-third of applicants received grants, leaving most houses of worship without resources to improve their defenses against potential attacks.
The push reflects growing concern about violence targeting religious institutions. Synagogues, mosques, churches, and temples have experienced increased threats and attacks in recent years, prompting faith leaders to seek federal support. The security upgrades funded by the program typically include surveillance systems, bulletproof glass, panic buttons, and enhanced lighting in parking areas.
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program has distributed millions annually since its creation, but demand consistently exceeds available funding. Religious leaders argue that the $1 billion request would significantly expand access to security improvements across faith communities of all sizes and denominations.
Lawmakers from both parties have embraced the proposal, viewing it as a practical response to documented security vulnerabilities at houses of worship. The bipartisan support suggests the measure could gain traction as Congress weighs competing budget priorities.
Houses of worship operate on limited budgets and often cannot afford comprehensive security improvements without federal assistance. Community centers, food pantries, and other nonprofit organizations also qualify for grants under the program, but houses of worship represent the largest applicant pool.
The funding request arrives as Congress debates domestic security spending and federal responses to hate crimes and targeted violence. Religious leaders testifying before lawmakers have emphasized that security upgrades do not change the welcoming nature of their institutions but rather allow congregants to worship safely.
The proposal's success will depend on whether Congress prioritizes it amid broader fiscal debates and competing appropriations requests.