HARRISBURG, PA — Since 2023, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has reinforced its commitment to public safety by awarding $15 million in funding to more than 300 nonprofit organizations through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program. This initiative is aimed at enhancing security measures and combating hate crimes at facilities such as places of worship and community centers across the Commonwealth.
The 2024-25 budget increased program funding to $10 million, double that of the previous year, enabling critical investments in planning, training, equipment, and facility upgrades. Lt. Governor Austin Davis, chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), emphasized the Administration’s priorities, stating, “Hate has absolutely no place in Pennsylvania. Everyone—no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation—deserves to feel safe in their communities.”
The October funding round awarded $10 million to 208 nonprofit organizations in 31 counties, with an estimated four million Pennsylvanians benefiting from improved safety measures. Testimonials from grant beneficiaries highlight the program’s impact. Notably, a Cumberland religious center credited security upgrades for resolving cases of hate-related vandalism and aiding law enforcement. A Lancaster library reported the use of security footage to address incidents on its campus, and a Pittsburgh synagogue detailed the effectiveness of enhanced security doors and surveillance cameras in preventing break-ins.
This investment not only enhances the safety of Pennsylvania residents but also reinforces the Administration’s mission to foster secure and inclusive communities statewide.
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