Thursday, October 1, 2026
More than 40 faith leaders representing Christian, Jewish and Muslim congregations from across New York’s 4th Congressional District gathered at Hofstra University on Friday for an informational session with Congresswoman Laura Gillen aimed at helping houses of worship and nonprofit faith-based organizations apply for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).
“This is about protecting our holy places, our schools and our community centers,” Gillen said. “One of my highest priorities as your representative in Congress is ensuring that Long Islanders feel safe in their houses of worship. The truth is, if we don’t apply for these grants, those dollars will go elsewhere. Given the rise of threats facing religious communities, Long Island cannot afford to leave this funding on the table.”
The NSGP, run by the Department of Homeland Security and administered by FEMA, provides funding nonprofits may use for things such as target hardening, physical security upgrades, contracted security personnel, planning and training — measures intended to reduce the risk of violence at faith institutions and other nonprofit sites. In Fiscal Year 2024, organizations in New York’s 4th District received roughly $2.25 million in NSGP funding.
Gillen said she has been pushing federal officials to release funds in a timely manner and urged congregations to be ready to act quickly when the application window appears.
“Earlier this year, I pressed the FEMA Administrator to release these funds after months of delay, because I knew how urgently they are needed,” Gillen said. “Now, with the application window expected to be short, it’s critical that our community is ready to act quickly.”
The session follows a districtwide outreach push by Gillen’s office to ensure faith communities across Hempstead, Oceanside, West Hempstead and neighboring towns understand eligibility and allowable uses for NSGP grants. Reverend William Earl Thomas of St. John Baptist Church in West Hempstead was among those present. The session offered a way to make federal dollars more accessible.
“Together we can bring more of our tax dollars back to Long Island, strengthen security at our houses of worship and give families the peace of mind they deserve,” Gillen said.
