State officials announced Thursday that more than 300 California-based nonprofits, including synagogues, mosques and Black institutions, would receive more than $43.7 million in federal funding to help increase security against hate-based crime, according to a news release.
The security enhancements funded through the grants can include gates, reinforced doors, access control systems, high-intensity lighting and screening systems, officials said.
“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “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.”
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The funding — $434.5 million total nationwide — comes from the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. California organizations are set to receive about 10% of the total funding, the highest allocation to one state. The funding was allocated to nonprofits by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
“California is dedicated to helping our communities stay safe from violent hate crimes and get access to essential financial funding to support those efforts,” said Nancy Ward, director of Cal OES, in the press release.