Montgomery County Boosts Security Funding for Nonprofits and Houses of Worship

Additional $500K allocated to help hire more security personnel amid concerns over Middle East violence and recent attacks

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:21am

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Montgomery County is adding $500,000 to its Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help synagogues, mosques, churches, schools, and other nonprofit institutions hire additional security personnel over the next 90 days. The supplemental funding comes as concerns rise due to violence in the Middle East and a recent attack on a synagogue in Michigan.

Why it matters

The additional security funding is an effort by Montgomery County to ensure the safety of local communities, particularly those that may feel vulnerable due to their connections to the Middle East. The grants are intended to help nonprofit organizations and houses of worship bolster their security measures in response to increased threats and concerns.

The details

The $500,000 in supplemental funding will be added to the county's existing Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which had already awarded about $1.2 million earlier this year. The new funding is restricted to staffing and must be used within three months, primarily for hiring police and armed security personnel. County officials say the goal is to help community members and visitors feel safer in the places they gather.

  • The additional $500,000 in funding was announced on March 19, 2026.
  • The supplemental grants must be used within the next 90 days.

The players

Montgomery County

The local government in Montgomery County, Maryland, which is adding the additional security funding.

Ron Halber

CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, who contacted the county about the need for increased security support.

Ghulam Abbas

President of the Idara‑e‑Jaferia Muslim nonprofit, who expressed gratitude for the county's action.

Marc Elrich

Montgomery County Executive, who stated that the goal is to ensure people feel safe in the places they gather.

Fani-González

Montgomery County Council President, who said the additional funds will help bolster security in the county as the community awaits a peaceful resolution to the hostilities in the Middle East.

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What they’re saying

“We need these dollars to protect the Jewish community and other communities that are at risk of hate crimes and terrorism.”

— Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington

“We have always been committed to fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment, and this additional funding will help community members and visitors feel safer.”

— Ghulam Abbas, President of the Idara‑e‑Jaferia Muslim nonprofit

“Hate has no home in Montgomery County.”

— Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive

“Sadly, our community is not immune from hate-fueled violence exacerbated by events unfolding in the Middle East right now. These additional funds will go a long way in bolstering security right here in Montgomery County as we eagerly await a peaceful and just outcome to the hostilities in the Middle East.”

— Fani-González, Montgomery County Council President

What’s next

The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will administer the grants and continue coordinating with regional and federal public safety partners as institutions report increased threats and concerns.

The takeaway

This additional security funding from Montgomery County demonstrates the local government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its diverse communities, particularly those that may feel vulnerable due to global events. The grants will help nonprofit organizations and houses of worship bolster their security measures and provide a sense of safety and inclusion for all who gather in these spaces.