St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Jenkintown and Old York Road Temple-Beth Am in Abington have received $40,000 and $13,500, respectively, as part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s website says “The purpose of this program is to provide funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at a high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.” 

Grants can be used for safety and security planning, the purchase of security equipment, safety and security training initiatives, threat awareness and response training, and upgrades to existing facilities and structures, among other uses.

The Pennsylvania House passed legislation in early November to increase the amount of grant funding available for houses of worship and other nonprofits to make security improvements to their facilities.

The grant funding was increased from $5 million to $10 million.

“The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to keeping all Pennsylvanians safe when they are at school or at worship, if they are seeking reproductive health care or social services, and when they are coming together with fellow members of their community,” Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said. “These grants will provide critical support for safety and security improvements for local nonprofits across the Commonwealth. We also recognize the challenge many communities and organizations are facing with recruiting new law enforcement officers, and the grants approved today will address that challenge.”

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