By Olivia Rosen, Special to JTNews
The Department of Homeland security will grant $9.7 million out of $10 million to Jewish organizations nationwide this year as a part of its seventh annual Non-Profit Security Grant Program.
The Seattle area is set to receive $139,500, yet it is unclear exactly how much of this will be allotted to Jewish organizations. A committee is set to meet in this September to determine the final sums that each applicant will receive. In past years, Jewish organizations and synagogues have been the overwhelming beneficiaries of funds.
The program is intended to fund security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attacks and this year, Jewish organizations made up an overwhelming 97 percent of the total allocations. Due to a $9 million program cut, Jewish organizations will receive $6 million less than last year, yet the proportion of Jewish recipients has risen 19 percent.