Local nonprofit groups receive grant money for security projects

Grant program helps minority organizations increase safety

HARRISBURG, March 11 – Two nonprofit organizations in the 42nd Pa. House District are receiving money through a grant program passed by the legislature and implemented by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, according to state Rep. Dan Miller.

Chabad Lubavitch of the South Hills Inc. has been awarded $25,000 and Beth El Congregation of the South Hills/United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism will receive $56,391.

The funding is being provided through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund, set up by Act 83 of 2019 and administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The goal is to better protect individuals, groups and organizations that are susceptible to hate crimes. The program was created largely as a result of the Squirrel Hill synagogue attack of 2018 that claimed the lives of 11 Pennsylvanians.

Grant recipients can use the funds for security enhancements designed to protect the safety of users of a facility owned and operated by the nonprofit organization. These include safety and security planning, purchase of security equipment, safety and security training, and other safety-related projects.

“This is important funding that will go a long way toward protecting members of minority organizations from senseless hate crimes,” Miller said. “Too many times, we’ve seen attacks on similar groups, including right here in Allegheny County. It’s time to put an end to these heinous acts and this funding will help do that.”

In total, 29 businesses in Allegheny County received more than $1.5 million in funding through the program. More than $5 million in grant money was given out statewide.