Gov. Tom Wolf announced over $3.9 million in funding to support security enhancement projects for 93 churches, synagogues and other nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities and frequently targeted by hate crimes throughout the commonwealth.
The following projects in Bucks County were approved:
– Mid-States Habonim Camping Association, Inc.: $24,000
– United American Muslim Association: $70,250
– Zubaida Foundation: $75,000
“While it’s a shame this has been necessary, I’m proud to have secured nearly $20 million over the past three years to protect Pennsylvania’s diverse and vulnerable communities from hate-driven violence,” said Wolf. “I look forward to the day when the goodness of humanity prevails.”
Wolf signed House Bill 859 to create the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in November 2019, one year after the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooting that claimed the lives of 11 worshippers. Since then, he has secured nearly $20 million in the program and hundreds of projects across the state.
Administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the program supports grants to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication, such as race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity.
Applicants were eligible to apply for grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 for security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of their membership. Funding can be used for safety and security planning, safety and security equipment and technology, training, building upgrades, vulnerability and threat assessments and other security enhancements.
PCCD intends to release another Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program solicitation in January 2023. More information about the program and application process can be found here. Questions should be directed to [email protected].
