Several nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Berks County are receiving state funding to improve security measures as part of a nearly $11 million statewide investment aimed at preventing hate crimes and protecting community institutions.
The funding, announced by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), will support 191 nonprofit organizations across 28 counties through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. In total, $10.8 million was awarded to help organizations strengthen safety at places such as houses of worship, community centers, and other nonprofit facilities.
Berks County organizations receiving funding include:
- Albright College – $150,000
- Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, Inc. – $25,000
- Huff’s Union Church, Inc. – $23,495
- Rahma Cemetery, Inc. – $53,459
- Reading Pride Celebration – $5,500
- Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom – $24,025
- The LGBT Center of Greater Reading – $21,800
The grants can be used for a variety of security improvements, including safety planning and training, security equipment and technology, facility upgrades, and vulnerability or threat assessments.
Governor Josh Shapiro said the program helps ensure that Pennsylvanians can gather and worship without fear.
“All Pennsylvanians deserve to worship peacefully, no matter what you look like, where you come from, or who you pray or do not pray to,” said Governor Shapiro. “That’s why we have more than doubled the Commonwealth’s investment in the nonprofit security grants that help places like mosques, churches, and synagogues equip themselves with security measures. Under Lieutenant Governor Davis’ leadership at PCCD, we’re working together to drive out this funding to our communities and ensure that every Pennsylvanian has the real freedom that comes when you can walk down the street in your community without worrying about violence.”
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who chairs the PCCD, said the demand for the program reflects an ongoing need for safety investments across the state.
“The Shapiro-Davis Administration remains dedicated to creating a Pennsylvania where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to access services free from hate or violence,” Davis said. “Sadly, the strong demand for this program makes it clear that the need is ongoing. PCCD is proud to have the capacity and commitment to continue to provide this critical support to communities across the Commonwealth.”
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now in its eighth cohort and has provided $35 million to more than 600 organizations statewide. This year’s funding includes unspent funds from previous grant cycles, bringing the total investment in the latest round to nearly $11 million.
State officials estimate that approximately seven million people have been impacted by security improvements funded through the program.
Over the past three years, PCCD has distributed more than $886 million through nearly 6,000 grants across Pennsylvania aimed at addressing and preventing violence in communities.
More information about the grant recipients and award amounts is available through the PCCD website.
