Governors Briefs: Grants Available to Bolster Security in Faith Communities, Nonprofits and New Governor Appointment

Gov. Newsom Offers $76 Million in Grants to Bolster Safety and Security in Faith Communities and Nonprofits

SACRAMENTO — As of July 30, California is expediting the deployment of funds and is now accepting applications for $76 million in grant funding available to bolster safety and security for nonprofits  — including synagogues, mosques, and Black and LGBTQ+ organizations — that are at higher risk of hate-based crimes.

“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values,” said Gov. Newsom. “Every Californian deserves the ability to worship, love, and gather safely, without fear of hate. This new round of funding is aimed at helping high-risk organizations protect themselves against violent attacks and hate crimes”

The California State 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. 

Recent data points to an increase in hate crimes carried out against Jewish, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities in 2023. Anti-Black bias events remained the most prevalent, despite a decrease in total reported incidents from 2022 to 2023. After heightened fear of violence due to conflicts in the Middle East and hate-fueled attacks across the country, Governor Newsom increased funding for the grant program by over 35%, adding an additional $20 million available for nonprofits to improve safety and security. 

Since the inception of the program in 2015, the state has awarded $152,750,000 in state funding to 924 community groups.

Steps to apply for funding 

The new request for proposals can be found on the California Governor’s office of emergency services website, which administers the program. Eligible organizations include those exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more by attending one of six upcoming informational webinars. Proposals must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23.

“We encourage nonprofit organizations to consider applying for these new grants, which can go a long way toward helping them enhance their security to prevent targeted acts of hate and violence,” said Nancy Ward, Director of Cal OES. 

Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and recent hate-related incidents throughout the nation, earlier this year, Governor Newsom  released the Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism to address increasing attacks on California’s Jewish communities, and wrote a letter to California’s Muslim, Palestinian American and Arab American communities denouncing hate-based attacks towards these residents and the loss of innocent lives. 

Gov. Newsom Announces Appointments

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom July 30 announced the following appointment.

Charmine Davis, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the Domestic Violence Program advisory council. Davis has been founder of the Just Us Mobile App since 2017 and director of family wellness at the Jenesse Center Inc. since 2015. She was a delegate with the 66th Session of the United Nations commission on the status of women in 2022. Davis was director of social service and outreach at care Village Inc. from 2009 to 2015. She earned a Doctor of Psychology degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Argosy University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Davis is a Democrat.