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Montgomery County to Provide Additional Supplemental Funding to Nonprofit Security Grant Program Amid Rising Global Tensions and Local Safety Concerns

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Natali Fani-González today announced that the County will provide $500,000 in supplemental funding to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program directed towards current recipients experiencing increased security staffing needs as a result of escalating hostilities in the Middle East. 

The additional funding comes in the wake of last week's terror attack at a synagogue in Michigan and at a time when many local organizations are reporting increased fear, threats, and concern among congregants, staff, and community members. 

“We want people to feel safe where they gather, where they worship, and where they serve others,” said County Executive Elrich. “When tensions rise globally, we see the impact locally. We’ve heard directly from our faith communities and nonprofit partners that they are worried. This increased funding for our Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a response to that reality. Hate has no home in Montgomery County, but we are also a community not immune to the fear and terror of those who want to intimidate and harm. These grants are an important and necessary investment that we must make.” 

Montgomery County’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program is one of the few locally funded initiatives of its kind in the nation and has become a critical tool in helping community organizations prevent and respond to hate-based threats. Since Fiscal Year 2019, the County has committed more than $6.5 million to support security enhancements for nonprofit and faith-based institutions. 

“Sadly, our community is not immune from hate-fueled violence exacerbated by events unfolding in the Middle East right now,” said Council President Fani-González. “Nevertheless, we stand with our communities of faith and non-profits providing critical services to our most vulnerable residents, particularly when the times are the toughest. 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.” 

"We are grateful to County Executive Elrich for his steadfast leadership and backing up his words with action,” said Ron Halber, CEO, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. “If not for trained security personnel who acted quickly and decisively, last week’s attack on Temple Israel in Michigan could have resulted in mass casualties. These funds will mean stronger protection for children and families at synagogues, schools, and community centers across the county. Communities across the country should follow Montgomery County's example."

“I would like to thank Montgomery County on behalf of Idara-e-Jaferia for their rapid response to the concerns from the Muslim, Shia, Middle Eastern and South Asian community,” said Ghulam Abbas, president of Idara-e-Jaferia. “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.” 

The annual Non-Profit Security Grant program focuses on a broad array of capabilities, including staffing, training, exercises, cameras, and technology integration. However, this supplemental funding will focus exclusively on supporting increased security staffing needs over the next 90 days. Supplemental awards will be capped at a maximum of $10,000 and will scale based on the facilities risk formula as developed during the FY26 Non-Profit Security Grant evaluation process conducted over the last several months. The annual and supplemental programs are both administered by the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS), which also provides training, guidance and coordination with public safety partners. 

Montgomery County continues to monitor local conditions and coordinate with regional and federal partners to ensure the safety of all residents. The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) has increased patrols at faith institutions, schools, and gatherings County leaders encourage any organization experiencing threats or suspicious activity to report incidents to local law enforcement and take advantage of available security resources. 

How to Report Suspicious Activity:

  • Immediate Threats/Suspicious Behavior: Call 911 immediately if you see a suspicious person, activity, or situation that threatens safety or property.
  • Non-Emergency Suspicious Activity: Call the MCPD non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 to report incidents that do not require an immediate response.
  • Anonymous Crime Tips: Call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 240-773-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
  • To report a hate/bias incident complaint, please use the Montgomery County Hate/Bias Incident Complaint Portal. 

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Release ID: 26-091
Media Contact: Scott Peterson 240-255-8462
Categories: Executive Office, Public Safety