The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis’ Safe Indy Security Initiative assisted  nine local and three statewide Jewish organizations in securing  $1.374 million to make needed security improvements.
The grants are funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP) and managed locally by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). The Safe Indy Initiative has a strong relationship with IDHS and is thankful for their ongoing commitment to securing critical federal dollars in support of the nonprofit sector. 
According to FEMA, this grant provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attacks. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.
“The NSGP grants are vital to our ongoing efforts to improve the overall security posture in the Jewish community,” said Safe Indy Community Security Director Grant Mendenhall. “The Safe Indy Security Initiative is grateful for the collaboration with our Jewish organizations in successfully pursuing this important funding opportunity.”
The following organizations received NSGP grant awards:

• CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center
• Chabad Lubavitch of Indiana
• Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
• Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
• Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis
• Hooverwood Living
• Indiana University Hillel
• Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation
• Indianapolis Jewish Community Center
• Jewish Family Services
• Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
• Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley

Recipients of the grants say they are eager to put the funding received to great use. 
“We at IU Hillel are excited to have received the Homeland Security Grant to significantly improve the security measures in and around our current building,” Lance DaSilva, IU Hillel Associate Director said. “We believe that the grant will allow us to better keep students and staff safe with a new and improved integrated security system, including better perimeter features, such as gates and bollards.”
Rabbi Avi Grossbaum with Chabad Center for Jewish Life says the grant will enhance many security steps they have currently taken.
“We certainly could not have done the grant application on our own and are grateful for the assistance provided by Mr. Grant Mendenhall, and Safe Indy,” he said.
Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC) Executive Director Peter Smithhisler said the money received by IHC will help them upgrade and modernize their security protocols at the temple. 
“IHC prioritizes the health, safety, and security of our community,” Smithhisler said. “This grant helps IHC fast track the necessary changes and upgrades needed within our building to address today’s security needs. IHC will benefit for years to come as a result of this grant. We are grateful to our partners for creating this opportunity for us.”
Visit www.jewishindianapolis.org/safeindy to learn more about the Safe Indy Security Initiative and how they partner with Jewish organizations to build a safer community today and for generations to come.