Maryland Chabad Institutions Among Recipients of $8.6 Million in Federal Security Grants

by CrownHeights.info

Four Chabad institutions in Maryland are among the recipients of a major new federal security grant allocation announced Thursday by Maryland’s congressional delegation.

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, together with members of Maryland’s congressional delegation, announced $8,627,091 in federal funding for 49 religious institutions and community centers across the state. The funding is being provided through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

Among the recipients are Chabad of Greengate Maryland Inc. and Chabad of Harford County, Inc., both located in the Baltimore area, as well as Chabad Lubavitch of Bowie Maryland Inc. and Chabad Lubavitch of Upper Montgomery County Inc., in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

The grants are intended to help high-risk nonprofit organizations strengthen their security and preparedness, enabling them to better protect congregants, students, staff and visitors.

The funding comes amid growing concerns over threats targeting religious institutions and community organizations. Maryland lawmakers highlighted the increasing need for security resources, particularly as houses of worship continue to face threats related to antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate.

“Every Marylander deserves to be able to exercise their right to religious freedom and worship without fear for their safety,” Senator Van Hollen said. He noted that faith institutions play an important role in providing spiritual services, youth programs and support for local families, while facing increasing security challenges.

Congressman Steny Hoyer likewise pointed to the importance of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, calling it an essential tool for protecting houses of worship, schools, community centers and early-childhood programs.

The Maryland awards are part of a larger national effort to provide security assistance to vulnerable nonprofit organizations. The congressional delegation said it worked to secure $300 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package, up from $274.5 million the previous fiscal year.

The Chabad institutions are part of a diverse group of Maryland organizations receiving the funding. The full list includes synagogues, churches, Christian schools, a Greek Orthodox church, a Muslim organization, a Sikh organization, Jewish educational institutions, community centers and other nonprofits.

Other Jewish recipients include B’er Chayim Congregation, Beth Sholom Congregation of Frederick, Beth Tfiloh Congregation dba Beth Tfiloh Camps, Congregation Kneseth Israel, Hebrew School of the Performing Arts, Talmudical Academy of Baltimore, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Congregation B’nai Tzedek, Kehilat Pardes, and Tikvat Israel Congregation.

The broad allocation reflects the growing recognition that security has become an essential component of maintaining open and vibrant religious and community life.

For the Maryland Chabad centers receiving grants, the funding will provide additional resources to strengthen their facilities and security measures and help ensure that their communities can continue to gather, learn, daven and celebrate in a safer environment.

The awards were selected by the Department of Homeland Security through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which assists high-risk nonprofits in obtaining resources for preparedness and security efforts coordinated with state and local authorities.