SACRAMENTO —  Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that 311 California nonprofit and faith-based organizations —  including synagogues, mosques, Black and other institutions representing communities targeted by hate crimes — will receive more than $43.7 million in federal funding to help bolster safety and security against hate-based crime. The grants are awarded and funded through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, a federal program. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) assists in administering the funding in California based on FEMA’s criteria.

“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values. We will protect the ability of every Californian to worship, love, and gather safely without fear of hate or violent attacks. California is continuing to safeguard all communities, including those most at risk,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides nonprofit organizations with funding for security enhancements, including reinforced doors, gates, high-intensity lighting, access control systems, and inspection and screening systems. Out of $434.5 million made available nationally, California organizations will receive approximately $43.7 million, or 10% of the federal awards, the highest allocated amount in the nation.

Hate crimes remain a grave concern nationwide. Recent data in California points to an increase in hate crimes carried out against Jewish, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities in 2023. Anti-Black bias crime events remained the most prevalent despite a decrease in total reported incidents from 2022 to 2023.