SAN DIEGO — California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a public announcement that the state is awarding $80 million to 343 nonprofit organizations through the California Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The funds will support security upgrades for groups at heightened risk of hate-motivated threats and violence.
Of the 343 grant recipients, 228 are faith-based organizations. Twelve recipients are located in San Diego County, including Chabad Oceanside, Downtown, and Poway; two Chabads of East County; Congregation Beth Israel; Chinese Community Church; Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Mesa; Church of The Resurrection in Escondido; Girl Scouts San Diego; Neighborhood Healthcare 488; and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center.
The grant funds are intended for security measures such as reinforced doors and gates, high-intensity lighting, alarm systems, surveillance and access controls, and emergency preparedness enhancements. Applications for the program are available online and in paper form in 18 languages.
"Hate and violence have no place in California," Newsom said. "By investing in critical security upgrades, we are leading the nation in protecting places of worship and high-risk communities, strengthening preparedness, and ensuring every Californian can gather safely and without fear."
The state also included an additional $40 million in its revised budget proposal to continue supporting churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ+ groups facing elevated threats. "This critical funding will have an immediate impact for organizations working every day to serve their communities," said California Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs. "These investments help keep people safe and enhance safety across the state. Cal OES stands with every community to fight against hate and ensure access to a safe place to gather."