Jewish Caucus Applauds Award of $40 Million in State Funding for Nonprofit Security Grants

Jewish Caucus Applauds Award of $40 Million in State Funding for Nonprofit Security Grants

The Jewish Caucus Has Prioritized Establishing and Funding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, Which Has Provided Critical Funding to Jewish Institutions and Others at Risk of Hate-Motivated Violence

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Legislative Jewish Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and Vice Chair Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), issued the following statement in response to the Office of Emergency Services (OES) announcing $40 million in awards for the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP):

“The security grants awarded today will make a huge difference in protecting Jewish institutions across the State of California. These funds also send a powerful message, particularly at a moment when antisemitism is surging and so many in our community are feeling on edge. We are deeply grateful for Governor Newsom’s support of this critical funding and we look forward to continuing to work with him to ensure that California stands with the Jewish community and with all vulnerable communities targeted by hate.”

Background on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The NSGP has provided critical security funding to nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence – including $120 million over the last three state budget cycles. This year’s awards total $40 million. Since the program was first established in 2019 pursuant to AB 1548 (Gabriel) and expanded in 2022 by AB 1664 (Gabriel), it has become the most popular grant administered by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and has been a critical lifeline for diverse faith communities, LGBTQ community centers, reproductive health facilities, and other organizations threatened by violent extremism. Governor Newsom directed this year’s funding to be awarded according to a recently signed law, AB 1185 (Gabriel), which broadens the reach of the NSGP and helps to ensure that funding is directed to applicants who are most likely to be targeted by hate-motivated violence. 

The release of Nonprofit Security Grant funding follows the recent announcement of the Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism. The Governor’s plan addresses key issues impacting the Jewish community, including rising antisemitism on college campuses and in K-12 courses, and continued funding for the NSGP. These initiatives are closely aligned with legislative and budget priorities of the Jewish Caucus.