$500K Emergency Security Funds Target Middle East Threat Surge

In addition to the FY26 base awards, the Montgomery County Council approved a supplemental $500,000 to provide additional security staffing support to existing grant recipients facing heightened threats linked to escalating hostilities in the Middle East following the start of the war in Iran in March 2026. Only organizations that had already received funding in the initial grant round were eligible for the supplemental appropriation. According to JCRC CEO Ron Halber, funding was arranged within six days of the JCRC raising urgent concerns with the County.