The State Provides Additional Funds for Non-Profit Security  

Unfortunately, violence against non-profits is on the rise in modern society and non-profits often struggle to set aside sufficient funds in their yearly budgets for making improvements to their existing security plans, if any.  Historically, California provided for grants in the state budget for the hardening of “soft targets” like non-profit organizations.  But recently Governor Newsom officially established The California State Non-Profit Security Grant Program (“NSGP”) by signing AB-1548 which sets aside approximately fifteen-million dollars ($15,000,000.00) into a designated grant program for use by California non-profits for the purpose of providing additional security.   

How do Non-Profits Qualify for the Grant?

The statute establishes a grant for non-profit organizations and specifically includes schools, clinics, community centers, churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other similar locations that have a high risk for violent attacks or hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission.  If an entity is successful in their application, they can be awarded up to a maximum of two-hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for use in enhancing the following:

1. Security guards;
2. Reinforced doors and gates;
3. High-intensity lighting and alarms;
4. Other security enhancements which are consistent with the security and fortification purposes of the established grant program.

Non-profit organizations which seek to take advantage of this program should diligently provide their application as AB-1548 has a sunset provision which repeals the program as of January 1, 2025.  Thus, non-profit programs have approximately five (5) years to determine if they want to submit an application for grant under the NSGP.  According to the California Government website, an entity is eligible for a grant under the NSGP if the entity can demonstrate the following: “a) Meet the description under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such code; b) For NSGP-UA, be located within one of the FY 2019 UASI-designated urban areas; OR for NSGP-S, be located outside of the FY 2019 UASI-designated urban areas; and c) Be able to demonstrate, through the application, that the organization is at high risk of a terrorist attack.” (caloes.ca.gov.)

Even if non-profits have an established security system in place, the grant provides an opportunity to enhance and update existing security devices to better safeguard the entity and its attendees from the high risk of violent attacks and hate crimes which have become common in our society.  Non-profit organizations which would like more information relating to the application, requirements, and eligibility, non-profit organizations can find additional information on caloes.ca.gov/home or ca.gov.  This law provides a unique opportunity for non-profits to utilize additional funds to seek security consultation and establish emergency plans in the unfortunate event that the entity, its staff, or its attendees are subject to an attack.  Tyler Law LLP is more than willing to assist non-profit organizations with any or all of the application process upon request.