California Gov. Gavin Newsom listens to community leaders speak during a press conference at Controlled Thermal Resources "Hell's Kitchen" geothermal and lithium drill site in Calipatria, Calif., on Monday, March 20, 2023. Governor Newsom Tours Lithium Valley 5638
Sacramento, California – California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that the state has awarded $76 million in new security funding to 347 community and faith-based organizations to help protect them from hate-motivated violence. This marks the largest-ever round of funding under the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
The money, distributed through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, is intended to bolster security for organizations that may be at risk of targeted violence. The program, which has provided more than $228.75 million in grants to 1,271 organizations since 2015, aims to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities across the state.
Who Is Receiving the Funds?
The latest round of funding will be distributed among a variety of organizations, including:
- 55 educational institutions, such as schools and academic centers.
- 14 community organizations, including food banks, shelters, and LGBTQ+ groups.
- Nine medical organizations, which provide essential health services.
- 269 faith-based and ideology-based groups, such as churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious or mission-driven institutions.
The money will be used for security improvements such as enhanced surveillance systems, reinforced entryways, hiring security personnel, and training programs to better respond to threats.
A significant portion of the funding will go to organizations in Northern California, including more than $4.5 million allocated specifically to groups in Sacramento County. The governor’s office emphasized that these funds are crucial in protecting communities that have been increasingly targeted by hate crimes.
“California stands firmly against hate,” Newsom said in a statement. “This investment will help safeguard the communities that need it most—ensuring that schools, places of worship, and community centers remain safe for everyone.”
The announcement comes amid rising concerns over hate-motivated violence in California and across the country. In recent years, hate crimes against religious groups, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals have surged, prompting urgent calls for stronger security measures.
Faith-based groups, in particular, have been frequent targets of attacks. The state’s commitment to expanding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program reflects an ongoing effort to address these threats proactively. While this funding is the largest single award in the program’s history, officials say it may not be the last. The governor’s office has indicated that additional security funding could be allocated in the future, depending on need and available resources.
