Pennsylvania Awards 10.8 Million Dollars in Security Grants to Churches and Nonprofits
Pennsylvania issued its largest-ever round of nonprofit security grants in March, distributing 10.8 million dollars to 190 organizations. Protestant and Catholic groups received 1.75 million dollars for cameras, radio systems, and door locks. The program began after the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania distributed 10.8 million dollars in security grants to 190 organizations in March, the largest round since the state's Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program began in 2018.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) runs the program, which was created after the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh left 11 people dead. Protestant and Catholic groups received 1.75 million dollars in this round. Jewish organizations received just over 6 million dollars, and Muslim groups received 1.27 million dollars.
Living Word Community Church in Red Lion received 56,838 dollars for new radio and surveillance systems. The church, which has more than 2,500 congregants, had experienced a security scare the previous year when a man in a robe entered the sanctuary and warned staff about the Second Coming.
Salem United Church of Christ in Bucks County received 45,500 dollars for security cameras after a series of protests followed the church's statement supporting immigrants during February's ICE raids.
Philly House, Philadelphia's largest and oldest homeless shelter, received 150,000 dollars toward a 3 million dollar security upgrade. The shelter serves 2,000 people per year and has operated for 148 years. The grant will fund a new security checkpoint, upgraded lockers, and metal detectors.
The FBI has tracked a 71 percent increase in offenses against Protestant Christians when comparing 2013-2019 with 2020 through mid-2026. High-profile attacks include the 2024 shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin and the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville.
Since the program started, Pennsylvania has distributed approximately 35 million dollars to more than 600 organizations. Annual funding has more than doubled over the past three years as demand has grown.
