With the amount of bias crimes in New Jersey on the rise, especially in the last three weeks, state Senator Joseph Cryan and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano say they will introduce legislation aimed at expanding the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

The program, overseen by the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP), seeks to bolster the security and preparedness of nonprofit organizations, particularly places of worship, in the face of increased threats.

Considering escalating international tensions and the increasing risk facing specific New Jersey communities, the proposed legislation focuses on providing robust support to places of worship, acknowledging the unique security challenges they face by increasing the annual statutory minimum funding request for the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $14,000,000, doubling last year’s budget appropriation of $7,000,000.

Additional notable provisions include elevating personnel grants to a maximum of $25,000 (previously $20,000) and allowing organizations to receive both personnel and target hardening grants in the same year.

The current prohibition has unintentionally acted as a deterrent to many organizations applying for the personnel grant.

In addition, eligible organizations with multiple non-contiguous properties would also be eligible to receive up to $25,000 in personnel grants per location, capped at a $75,000 total per organization.

Lastly, the legislation would establish an outreach and assistance program to bring awareness of the grant programs to eligible organizations and provide assistance in the application process.

As the prime sponsors who initially introduced legislation establishing the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant program, Senator Cryan and Assemblywoman Quijano are emphasizing the urgency of expanding this program in the face of the increasing threats to our diverse communities, highlighting the importance of a proactive approach to domestic security.