Chesco, Other PA Counties Receive State Funding For Upgraded Security

HARRISBURG — The administration of Gov. Tom Wolf announced Thursday that more than $5.23 million in funding awards would be doled out to communities across the commonwealth to help with upgrading security at religious institutions and other vulnerable organizations in diverse communities.

The money is aimed at helping organizations that often face bias improve their security and protect themselves against hate crimes.
"This is an investment in the safety and security of the diverse communities that are the tapestry of Pennsylvania," Wolf said in a statement. "It's unfortunate that hate continues to surface here, hurting Pennsylvanians and tearing apart our communities. I will continue to stand with and support these communities in any way I can."

The money comes from the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
The fund was established to provide grants to nonprofits who serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the FBI's Hate Crime Statistics publication, according to the governor's office.

Money was awarded to various organizations across 24 Pennsylvania counties, including those in the five-county Greater Philadelphia region.

In Chester County, the following recipients were given grant funding:

• Islamic Society of Greater Valley Forge, $45,757
• Coatesville Center for Community Health, $24,430
• Masjid Al Rahman of Chester County Inc, $100,000
• Congregation B’nai Jacob Phoenixville PA, $24,980
• Kesher Israel Congregation, $40,000