HARRISBURG, PA — Nearly 200 nonprofit and faith-based organizations across Pennsylvania will receive funding to strengthen security at their facilities after state officials approved $10.8 million in grants aimed at preventing hate-motivated violence.
What This Means for You
- $10.8 million in security grants will help protect nonprofits and places of worship across Pennsylvania.
- The funding will support planning, training, security equipment, and facility upgrades.
- A total of 191 organizations in 28 counties will receive support through the program.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency announced the latest round of Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding this week, providing support for organizations considered vulnerable to hate crimes or bias-motivated attacks.
Funding to Strengthen Security
State officials said the $10.8 million in funding will help nonprofit organizations improve security through measures such as safety planning, staff training, technology upgrades, and physical security improvements.
Eligible organizations include faith-based institutions such as churches, synagogues, and mosques, along with community centers and other nonprofits that serve populations frequently targeted in hate crime incidents.
Facilities receiving grants may use the funding for equipment purchases, security planning, building upgrades, or threat and vulnerability assessments designed to improve safety.
Growing Investment in Security Programs
Officials said the Shapiro-Davis administration has more than doubled the amount of funding available annually for the program over the past three years.
The program, now in its eighth round of funding, has distributed $35 million to more than 600 organizations across Pennsylvania.
With the latest grants included, officials estimate security improvements funded by the program affect facilities serving roughly seven million visitors statewide.
“All Pennsylvanians deserve to worship peacefully, no matter what you look like, where you come from, or who you pray or do not pray to,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who chairs the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, said demand for the program remains strong.
“The Shapiro-Davis Administration remains dedicated to creating a Pennsylvania where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to access services free from hate or violence,” Davis said.
Local Organizations See Security Benefits
Community organizations say the funding has helped strengthen safety measures at facilities that serve large numbers of visitors.
“Over the past five years, our Federation has helped 108 organizations secure more than $5.7 million in state security funding,” said Shawn Brokos, director of community security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
Brokos said the funding has supported security upgrades at synagogues, schools, and community centers across Allegheny County.
“These grants are a lifeline for nonprofits that face real security concerns, and we are grateful for PCCD’s continued commitment to helping our communities stay safe,” Brokos said.
Broader Violence Prevention Efforts
The security grants are part of broader violence prevention initiatives supported by the state.
According to PCCD, the agency has awarded more than $886 million through nearly 6,000 grants over the past three years to support programs aimed at reducing violence across Pennsylvania.
Gov. Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 budget includes additional investments in prevention programs, including $68.3 million for the Violence Intervention and Prevention program and $12.5 million for the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time program.
BOOST funds after-school and youth programs designed to reduce crime and provide enrichment opportunities for young people. Officials say research shows such programs can help address factors linked to violence while improving outcomes for children.
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