HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is opening applications for $10 million in state-funded security grants, launching a high-stakes push to protect places of worship, community centers, and nonprofits across the Commonwealth from rising hate-driven threats.
The latest round of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program — preserved in the 2025-26 state budget — renews a statewide effort to harden vulnerable facilities with upgraded surveillance systems, fortified entryways, lighting, alarms, and other critical defenses.
“Protecting public safety is our mission every day at PCCD, and this program truly exemplifies that,” said Executive Director Kirsten Kenyon. She added that maintaining $10 million for this cycle continues efforts to ensure Pennsylvanians can gather, worship, and receive services without fear.
Since Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis took office, the administration has directed $15 million into more than 300 nonprofit security awards, reaching an estimated four million Pennsylvanians who utilize those grant-supported facilities.
Wide Eligibility, High Demand
Eligible organizations must primarily serve individuals or communities at elevated risk of hate crimes, categories identified by the FBI including race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity. Applicants must be Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) organizations or churches with automatic IRS exemption.
Organizations need not have been targeted previously, though priority will go to nonprofits that experienced a hate-motivated incident or can demonstrate a credible threat.
Funds may be used for:
- Safety and security planning
- Training and threat-awareness programs
- Surveillance cameras, protective lighting, electronic locksets, metal detectors, and other security-related technology
- Building upgrades that reinforce vulnerable access points
- Vulnerability and threat assessments
- Specialty-trained security canines
Grants range from $5,000 to $150,000. Larger requests require a non-state funding match of 33% or 50%, depending on the award size.
Application Window Now Open
Initial applications must be submitted through SurveyMonkey no later than January 12, 2026, and may not be edited once submitted. Applicants selected to advance will complete a full application in PCCD’s Egrants system in March. Projects approved at the March 11, 2026 commission meeting will run 18 months, beginning April 1, 2026.
Questions about the funding announcement must be submitted to PCCD by January 8, 2026.
Grantees Report Real-World Success
Past recipients across Pennsylvania say the grants have directly prevented harm, deterred intruders, and aided police investigations.
In Bucks County, a reproductive health center said a violent aggressor was stopped from harming patients and staff because state-funded security guards were on site.
A Lancaster County public library reported that new indoor and outdoor cameras — purchased through past PCCD funding — captured footage of an individual setting a fire near its skatepark.
A Cumberland County college said grant-funded surveillance cameras, access controls, and shatterproof glass helped identify suspects in two hate-related vandalism incidents. One perpetrator fled after noticing the upgraded system.
A York County church credited new lighting, cameras, and motion detectors with preventing unauthorized access and reducing theft risks.
A Pittsburgh-area synagogue said steel security doors and upgraded lock systems stopped an intruder attempting to break into a rear entrance, with cameras capturing footage that led to prosecution.
And in Philadelphia, a social service organization said remote-operated locks and upgraded surveillance helped identify trespassers and document thefts and violent incidents occurring outside the building.
A Critical Window for Vulnerable Nonprofits
With demand expected to be high — and with hate-motivated offenses remaining among the FBI’s most persistent categories of violent intimidation, vandalism, and assault — officials are urging eligible organizations to apply promptly.
PCCD emphasized that items listed in the initial SurveyMonkey submission cannot be altered later, a safeguard intended to maintain fairness in the competitive review process.
Applications and full eligibility details are available through PCCD’s official funding announcement.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.