PA Creates Nonprofit Security Grant Fund

The following is my cover story in the November 14, 2019 edition of the Philadelphia Jewish Link about the establishment of a $5 million Nonprofit Security Grant Fund in Pennsylvania:

PA Creates Nonprofit Security Grant Fund

One of the many byproducts of the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh one year ago is the increased attention being paid to the importance of safeguarding houses of worship from future attacks. In that vein, the Pennsylvania State Legislature recently took a significant step to address the issue of the potential vulnerabilities of religious institutions.

With a flourish of the pen on the afternoon of November 7, 2019, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House Bill 859, which establishes a $5 million Nonprofit Security Grant Fund to provide funding for safety and security improvements to facilities used by faith-based nonprofits in Pennsylvania.

“Schools and other community institutions should be a safe place for every child and resident,” said Governor Wolf. “I thank the bipartisan efforts that helped ensure safety and security funding was available for these non-profit, community institutions where people gather and should have peace of mind.”

While the legislation was originally part of Senate Bill 676, the Senate recently amended it onto House Bill 859. The Senate passed it unanimously on October 23 and the House overwhelmingly passed it on October 28. It was then presented to the Governor for his signature.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund, which will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), would provide funding for security enhancements, including planning, threat awareness, and response training; equipment and technology such as metal detectors, lighting, surveillance, communications systems, locksets, deadbolts, trauma kits, and anti-theft devices; vulnerability and threat assessments; specialty-trained canines; and other upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security.

Grant awards will range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $150,000. PCCD will select awardees in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund will begin accepting applications in March 2020.

“Just over a year ago, the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in our nation’s history took place right here in Pennsylvania,” said state Senator Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester), who originally introduced the measure as part of Senate Bill 676. “We must never forget, but we also must act. And that is why we worked together across party lines to pass this bill. Because by standing up to protect the rights of freedom of religious expression, we’re protecting the right to worship of all… regardless of faith or background, everyone deserves to feel safe in their place of worship.”

“This is about taking the next step to do what needs to be done by making available resources to protect our communities and those who want to worship freely in a safe way,” said state Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), one of the original sponsors of the bill.

“Houses of worship are places of refuge for many, and we must do everything we can to ensure that Pennsylvanians can feel safe in their spiritual homes,” said state Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), whose district includes the Tree of Life Synagogue where the deadly attack took place. “Our constituents – particularly those who were affected by last year’s horrifying attack – have a right to feel secure as they go about their lives. This funding is one of several ways we are working to protect that right.”

The Orthodox Union joined its subsidiary, Teach PA, in thanking state officials for taking a significant step that aligns Pennsylvania with other states such as New York, New Jersey, California and Maryland in creating safety programs for houses of worship and nonprofits.

“Jewish institutions across the country face an increased threat and we thank the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and Senators Jay Costa, Andrew Dinniman and Representative Dan Frankel, among others, for championing this,” said Teach PA Executive Director Arielle Frankston-Morris. “The Jewish community is hopeful that continued advocacy will yield more safety, tolerance and unity in the Commonwealth.”

Teach PA, which is a leading advocate for equitable funding for Pennsylvania’s nonpublic schools, noted that houses of worship, including synagogues, churches and mosques, which until now could not access Pennsylvania state safety grants, will be able to apply for this critical funding. Schools, community centers, camps and others will also be able to apply for these grants.