$76 million to help bolster security at California houses of worship, nonprofits

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced that $76 million in grant funding will be made available to bolster security at houses of worship and community nonprofits in the wake of escalating hate crimes.

“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values,” Newsom said in a statement. “Every Californian deserves the ability to worship, love, and gather safely, without fear of hate. This new round of funding is aimed at helping high-risk organizations protect themselves against violent attacks and hate crimes”

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds security upgrades like reinforced doors, gates, lighting, and screening systems.

Recent data shows an increase in hate crimes against Jewish, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities in 2023. Although anti-Black bias incidents are still the most common, they have decreased from 2022, data show. Last year, amid rising violence linked to Middle East conflicts and a national trend of hate attacks, Newsom boosted the grant program’s funding by over 35%, adding an extra $20 million for nonprofit safety and security.

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) praised Newsom’s leadership in securing these grants, emphasizing their importance in protecting targeted communities.

“Despite facing significant budget challenges, the California Legislature will continue to stand firm in our commitment to supporting vulnerable communities targeted by hate,” Gabriel and Wiener said in a joint statement.

Since 2015, the state has awarded $152.75 million to 924 community groups.

For application details, visit the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services website . Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23.

For anonymous reporting of hate acts, call 833-8-NO-HATE. For immediate danger, call 911.

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