SACRAMENTO, California (Press Release) — This week, the California Legislative Jewish Caucus secured $80 million in ongoing annual funding for the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which historically has received only one-time funding. The NSGP will now ensure that eligible California nonprofit organizations continue to receive funding as a permanent fixture in the state budget to protect communities from hate-motivated violence.
Established through legislation authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Chair of the California Assembly Budget Committee and the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, the NSGP plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable communities by providing essential security assistance to nonprofit organizations at risk of violent attacks or hate crimes due to ideology, beliefs, or mission.
The program helps nonprofits improve their physical security by investing in reinforced doors, security guards, lighting and alarms, and other protective measures. Eligible organizations include synagogues, Jewish day schools, mosques, churches, LGBTQ+ community centers, reproductive health clinics, and other nonprofits facing elevated security risks because of their mission, beliefs, or the communities they serve.
“At a time of rising antisemitism, political violence, and hate targeting communities across the country, this ongoing funding marks a major milestone in California’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and author of the legislation that established the NSGP.
“By making funding for this program permanent, California is providing long-term certainty to nonprofits that our state will continue to stand with communities targeted by hate-motivated violence. I want to thank Governor Newsom and our legislative partners for making this historic investment possible and ensuring California remains the national leader in protecting vulnerable communities.”
As part of AB 109 (Gabriel), the recently enacted state budget provides permanent ongoing annual funding of $80 million as a result of years of advocacy from both the Jewish and broader nonprofit community. This is a win that extends beyond the Jewish community — reflecting the interfaith and inter-ethnic coalition, encompassing AAPI, Hindu, Latino, LGBTQ+, and Catholic organizations, among many others, that recognized this as a shared fight — and underscores California’s commitment to standing up for all of its communities.
“As Vice Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 1, I am thrilled that the budget includes this critical ongoing funding for nonprofit security grants,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), Co-Vice Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. As communities experience an increase in hate crimes, threats, xenophobia, and intimidation, it is essential that we provide organizations the proper tools they need to keep their staff and the people they serve safe.”
“The ongoing funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is one of the most effective tools to keep our vulnerable communities safe from hate,” said Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), Co-Vice Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “We have seen an increase in violence against synagogues, mosques, churches, and LGBTQ+ centers, and this grant program has proven to save lives. It gives people the ability to gather together and express their faith, their identity, and community.”
“The rise in hate-fueled violence has made it clear that too many nonprofits and community institutions are being forced to think about security before they can focus on serving people,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and Member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “Whether it’s a synagogue, mosque, Pride celebration, LGBTQ+ community center, or another nonprofit serving our most vulnerable communities, no one should have to choose between gathering in community and feeling safe. This historic investment affirms California’s commitment to protecting the people and organizations that bring our communities together and ensures they have the resources to continue their work without living in fear.”
“For Jewish institutions, security is no longer optional—it is an essential part of keeping our schools, synagogues, community centers, and public events safe,” said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California. “The tragic attack at the Poway synagogue, the recent shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia, and countless other acts of antisemitic violence remind us that these threats are real. By making this funding permanent, California is providing certainty to organizations that should never have to wonder whether they will have the resources needed to protect their communities. At the same time, this program strengthens security for churches, mosques, LGBTQ+ organizations, and many other nonprofits facing hate, demonstrating that protecting one community helps protect us all.”
“Hate doesn’t stop at the doors of a nonprofit organization—and neither should the protections designed to keep our communities safe,” said Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California, the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the nation. “From Pride celebrations and LGBTQ+ community centers to houses of worship and cultural organizations, every Californian deserves to gather without fear of violence or intimidation. By making the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program an ongoing investment, California is providing organizations with the certainty they need to plan ahead and keep their communities safe.”
Background on the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program
The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program was established through AB 1548 authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel in the aftermath of the 2019 fatal shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue, one of the most traumatic antisemitic attacks in California history.
Since the NSGP was established, the California Legislative Jewish Caucus has continued to strengthen it. In 2022, the Legislature passed AB 1664, authored by Assemblymember Gabriel, which removed the program’s sunset date, increased maximum grant awards, and expanded technical assistance to help organizations apply for funding. The Legislature then passed AB 1185 in 2023, also authored by Assemblymember Gabriel, which expanded eligibility for the grant to organizations providing security services, such as vulnerability assessments and training.
Demand for the program has grown dramatically as hate crimes and threats against vulnerable communities have increased. According to the California Attorney General’s Annual Hate Crime Report, hate crimes increased 52 percent between 2020 and 2024. More than 1,600 nonprofit organizations applied during the most recent grant cycle, requesting over $325 million in security improvements. Only 343 organizations, roughly 23 percent of applicants, ultimately received grants, making the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program the most oversubscribed grant program administered by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
Over the past five years, California has invested approximately $300 million in the program. The $80 million in ongoing funding in this year’s budget agreement marks the first time the state has committed to annual funding for the program, making nonprofit security a permanent part of California’s public safety infrastructure.
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Preceding provided by the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.