HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) \u2014 The Shapiro administration announced $10 million in grant funding is available to combat hate crimes across the Commonwealth.<\/p>\n
The grants are open to nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania to boost security and protect against hate crimes. Applications are now open and must be submitted by Jan. 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
The state funding for the grants was secured in the 2025-26 state budget that was recently passed and signed by Governor Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) announced. It\u2019s meant to provide critical support for planning, training, equipment, and technology upgrades at places of worship, community centers, and other nonprofit institutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cProtecting public safety is our mission every day at PCCD, and this program truly exemplifies that,\u201d\u00a0Kirsten Kenyon, Executive Director of PCCD, said.\u00a0\u201cBy maintaining $10 million in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program in this year\u2019s budget, we\u2019re continuing to support critical security enhancements to help ensure that community members can safely gather, worship, and access services without fear. I strongly encourage eligible nonprofits to apply and take advantage of this funding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since taking office, the Shapiro-Davis administration has awarded more than 300 Nonprofit Security Grants, totaling $15 million. The administration said data showed that an estimated four million people across Pennsylvania have been impacted by the grant program to date.<\/p>\n
Eligible entities Eligible uses Safety and security planning and training;<\/p>\n Purchase of safety and security equipment and technology;<\/p>\n Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security; and<\/p>\n Vulnerability and threat assessments.<\/p>\n Applications are reviewed by a Commission-established group comprised of representatives of PCCD, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Governor\u2019s Office of Homeland Security.<\/p>\n Awards are currently set to be announced in\u00a0March 2026.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n
Nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania that primarily serve individuals or communities at heightened risk of hate crimes\u2014 as identified by the\u00a0FBI\u2019s Hate Crime Statistics<\/a>\u2014are eligible to apply. Those include individuals, groups, or institutions targeted because of race\/ethnicity\/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or gender biases.<\/p>\n
Nonprofits are eligible for security enhancements meant to protect the safety and security of the users and workers of the facility that is owned or operated by the nonprofit. Grant awards can range from\u00a0$5,000 to $150,000\u00a0for a variety of eligible items, including:<\/p>\n