Pa. churches, nonprofits can get grants to improve security

Religious organizations such as churches and synagogues looking to improve security can now get help from the state.

Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday announced that $5 million in security grants is being made available to religious organizations and other nonprofits that serve communities deemed vulnerable to hate crimes.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, established by a bill signed into law in November, covers such things as safety and security planning and training; purchase of safety and security equipment and technology; upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security; and vulnerability and threat assessments.

“These grants … will help our myriad nonprofits address security needs heightened by the heinous attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018 and the safety concerns that still exist for religious, social and other nonprofit organizations across the commonwealth,” Wolf said.

Grant awards can range from $5,000 to $150,000.

The grants, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, are for organizations that serve communities that fit into one of six hate-crime categories as defined by the FBI: race/ethnicity/ancestry; religion; sexual orientation; disability; gender; and gender identity.

Grant applications will be accepted through Feb. 14 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis by representatives of PCCD, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security. Awards will be considered at the March 11 PCCD meeting.