SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, the California Legislative Jewish Caucus announced that the State of California would expedite the release of $76 million allocated in the 2024-2025 state budget for the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This funding is part of a record nearly $160 million two-year commitment, with an additional $80 million allocated for next year. The NSGP provides critical security enhancements for synagogues, day schools, Jewish community centers, other faith-based institutions, LGBTQ+ community centers, reproductive health facilities, and other nonprofits at risk from violent extremism.
Following a surge in antisemitism and targeted violence against the Pico Robertson neighborhood in Los Angeles, the Jewish Caucus worked with Governor Gavin Newsom to expedite the release of this year’s security funding.
“Despite facing significant budget challenges, the California Legislature will continue to stand firm in our commitment to supporting vulnerable communities targeted by hate,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Co-Chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “We are particularly grateful to Governor Newsom for his longstanding leadership in funding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and for his efforts to expedite the disbursement of these vital grants. We have no doubt that this funding will continue to make a major difference in protecting the Jewish community and all communities targeted by hate.”
The NSGP was established in 2019 through legislation authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. In recent years, it has been strengthened and expanded due to the collaborative efforts of the Jewish Caucus, legislative allies, and community partners. Security continues to be a top priority for the Jewish Community, particularly in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attacks. Moreover, a new report from the California Department of Justice found that reported anti-Jewish hate crimes rose over 50 percent in 2023. Over 1,250 organizations applied for the NSGP in 2023, up from 750 in 2022.
Background on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
The NSGP has provided critical security funding to nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence. This year’s budget agreement commits an additional $160 million to the program, which will be distributed over two years. 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.
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