I had the pleasure recently to walk in Portland’s PRIDE parade with members of the community who represented several different organizations. It was a perfect day, slightly overcast and in the high 60s. I walked it last year as well, and every time parade planning comes around, since October 2023, there is a degree of uncertainty and apprehension about what will be encountered on the parade route. People aren’t sure if they should bring their kids and think about worst-case scenarios. There are also no security guards allowed on the parade route, and people can feel vulnerable in such a public display. Also, our focus is clear - that it’s a walk in total support of LGBTQ+ family, friends, and colleagues, and so no political flags are permitted. And so, on the day, I and others were incredibly impressed to see how supported the community was, all along the parade route, from start to finish. I witnessed people spontaneously reacting positively and cheering as they read our banners and recognized our group. I attributed this to awareness of recent attacks in Washington, DC, and Boulder, CO, and a recognition that it was a big thing to have Jews come out in such a public way. I hope everyone who walked that day felt that affirmative support. It’s an important reminder that the vast, vast majority of our neighbors and communities are open, welcoming, and supportive of the Jewish faith community. I hope you all get a chance to witness and experience that.

Those of us who have been anxious and curious to hear about the 2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) are happy to see that the grant is officially underway. There were weeks when it seemed possible the grant program would not happen, despite being allocated and authorized by Congress. On July 28th, the funding was officially announced, and FEMA will provide approximately $274.5 million to at-risk communities. The biggest challenge this year is that applications have to be submitted to FEMA in Washington by August 11th. It’s not clear to me how Oregon FEMA is going to collect, review, and rank applications within that extra short timeframe, but if they can do it, it could be a year where the short time frame will work to the advantage of those who are prepared. Another change is the increase in the amounts of the awards  - this year, organizations may ask for up to $200,000 per address. There will likely be fewer applications and potentially less competition for whatever dollars are allocated to Oregon. As always, I’m available to work with organizations who are interested in the grant process – from preparing an assessment, coordinating a review of the application, and how to implement your award. Even if you don’t apply this year, it’s a great time to start thinking about next year! We have many organizational leaders in our community who are happy to share their experience in the program, and I’m happy to connect you up with them. As always, I can be reached at [email protected] or 873-273-9214.