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Advocates urge restoration of state nonprofit security grant funding after federal volatility

Nebraska Legislature Appropriations Committee · February 17, 2026

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Summary

Sen. Rita Sanders asked the committee to restore $500,000 annually for the Nebraska Nonprofit Security Grant Program administered by NEMA; proponents said federal grant allocations fluctuate and smaller organizations need predictable state support for cameras, access control and training.

Sen. Rita Sanders asked the Appropriations Committee to restore funding for the Nebraska Nonprofit Security Grant Program (LB989), which had been created and funded in 2024 but was later defunded due to budget constraints. The program provides reimbursement‑style grants to nonprofits that are targeted because of their mission, with a per‑applicant cap of $50,000 and an administrative review process run by NEMA.

Proponents — including faith‑based organizations, the Nebraska Catholic Conference and the Jewish Community Relations Council — said federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program allocations have been volatile and sometimes require uninsured upfront expenditures that can be burdensome to smaller groups. Witnesses cited concrete uses for state grants: reinforced entry points, card readers, cameras and training that help protect congregations, community centers and mission‑driven nonprofits. Supporters asked the committee to restore the modest state appropriation so NEMA can run a predictable five‑year program and provide a reliable backstop when federal grants fall short.

Committee members asked about the fiscal note and past award amounts; proponents said not all eligible requests were funded in the initial year and that the requested $500,000 annual appropriation would enable broader coverage across small organizations.