In a groundbreaking move to combat rising hate-motivated violence, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a record-breaking $76 million in security grants to protect vulnerable faith communities and nonprofit organizations across the state.
The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program will support 347 community groups, with 269 being ideology and spiritually-based organizations. The funding represents the largest single investment in protecting organizations targeted based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or immigration status.
"Californians deserve the right to worship, love, and gather safely, without fear of violence," stated Governor Newsom, emphasizing the state's commitment to supporting communities facing threats.
The grants will fund critical security enhancements including:
- Reinforced doors and gates
- High-intensity lighting systems
- Access control infrastructure
- Security planning and protocols
The demand for protection remains high, with over 1,600 organizations requesting more than $325 million in support during this funding round. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) manages the competitive grant process, carefully evaluating applications based on risk levels and specific criteria.
This latest investment builds on California's broader strategy to counter hate-motivated incidents. Since 2019, the state has dedicated over $400 million to community safety initiatives, including $217 million for security infrastructure and $196 million for services supporting victims of hate acts.
The state recently launched CA vs Hate, a multilingual hotline and website allowing anonymous reporting of hate incidents. Residents can report incidents by calling 833-8-NO-HATE, while emergencies should still be directed to 911.
This historic funding demonstrates California's ongoing dedication to protecting diverse communities and creating safer spaces for all residents to gather, worship, and live without fear.