Bucks County Religious Nonprofits To Bolster Security With State Money

Nearly a dozen faith-based organizations in Bucks County are among the 191 nonprofits statewide set to receive a share of $10.8 million in state grants to protect against hate crimes and bolster security.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) announced the latest round of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding recently.

The program gives financial support to faith-based groups, including those of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions, for security planning, staff training, and technology upgrades.

The list of Bucks County recipients includes:

• Zubaida Foundation (Yardley): $107,500
• United American Muslim Association of NY, Inc. (Levittown): $75,000
• Shir Ami Bucks County Jewish Congregation (Newtown): $75,000
• Kol Emet Yardley Reconstructionist Congregation (Lower Makefield): $60,000
• St. James Church (Langhorne): $56,390
• Salem United Church of Christ (Doylestown): $45,500
• Kehilat HaNahar (New Hope): $25,000
• Temple Judea of Bucks County (Furlong): $24,894
• Congregation Tiferes Boruch (Warrington): $16,000

The program was established in the wake of the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. It was the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

Since the inception of the state program, the fund has distributed $35 million to more than 600 organizations, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office.

“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,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who chairs the PCCD. “Sadly, the strong demand for this program makes it clear that the need is ongoing.”

State officials noted that the annual funding for the program has more than doubled over the last three years.

This year’s grants were bolstered by unexpended funds from previous cycles, officials said.

According to data from the governor’s office, the program’s investments have impacted an estimated seven million people based on reported attendance at the funded facilities.