Safe Spaces for All Act Introduced in House
Representatives Joe Neguse and Don Bacon proposed legislation to expand federal security grant eligibility.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Judaism
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Representatives Joe Neguse and Don Bacon have introduced the Safe Spaces for All Act to bolster security at Jewish institutions nationwide. The bill updates federal grant programs to better support the rising administrative and personnel costs faced by nonprofit organizations.
Why it matters
Jewish institutions are confronting escalating threats and security expenses, often lacking the resources to navigate complex grant applications. This legislation seeks to lower those barriers by allowing a portion of federal funds to cover administrative and security staff costs.
Jewish institutions spent $1 billion on security in 2025, a 33% increase from $765 million in 2024. The proposed bill allows nonprofits to use up to 5% of their federal security grants to cover application and administrative personnel expenses.
The players
Joe Neguse
A U.S. Representative from Colorado who co-sponsored the legislation to expand security resources.
Don Bacon
A U.S. Representative who serves as a lead sponsor for the Safe Spaces for All Act.
Anti-Defamation League
An international non-governmental organization that tracks antisemitism and endorses the new security bill.
Jewish Federations of North America
A network of organizations that supports the bill to improve security access for Jewish community institutions.
The details
The bill amends Department of Homeland Security grant rules to explicitly cover on-site security personnel and off-duty police officers. By allowing 5% of funds to be used for grant-writing and administration, the act aims to assist smaller organizations that currently struggle to secure federal support.
Timeline
In 2024, Jewish institutions spent $765 million on security measures.
During 2025, total security spending by these institutions surpassed $1 billion.
For fiscal year 2026, the current federal grant program has $300 million available.
The Safe Spaces for All Act was formally introduced in the House on September 18, 2026.
Culture Shift
This legislation builds upon the infrastructure of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program by expanding the functional utility of federal funds. It reflects a broader trend of institutions formalizing security protocols in response to evolving threat environments.
Jewish institutions may soon gain greater flexibility in allocating federal funds for dedicated security guards and professional administrative help. This shift potentially lowers the financial burden on community organizations by ensuring a portion of grants can be used for the labor required to secure them.
The takeaway
The Safe Spaces for All Act represents a shift toward addressing the overhead costs that often prevent smaller organizations from accessing critical safety resources. Institutions should monitor the legislative process to determine when these expanded funding rules might become available for local application.
Further reading
For broader context on current challenges facing the community, visit the Judaism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jewish News Syndicate.
Live Poll
Should federal security grants cover the cost of private security guards at religious community centers?
