California awards $80 million to 343 nonprofits to combat hate crimes | The Locally Times
The state funding follows a recent San Diego mosque shooting and brings total safety investments to $300 million since 2015.
California is distributing $80 million in new grant funding to 343 nonprofit and faith-based organizations to support security against hate-motivated violence. The announcement, released by the Governor's office on May 28, 2026, follows a recent shooting at a San Diego mosque, signaling a state-level effort to harden community gathering spaces against targeted attacks. This $80 million allocation is part of a larger $300 million investment in safety for vulnerable organizations that the state has administered since 2015. The grants are intended to provide these institutions with the resources necessary to protect their facilities and members from potential threats. ## State Investment Context The $80 million announced this week represents the latest phase in a long-term state effort to support the security of religious and community-based organizations. Since 2015, the state has directed $300 million toward these protective measures, according to the May 28, 2026, report from the Governor's Newsroom. While the state has identified the total number of recipients as 343 organizations, the records do not currently specify the individual grant amounts awarded to each group or the specific criteria used to select these recipients. Additionally, the provided documentation does not detail the specific security measures, such as surveillance systems or physical barriers, that the funds are designated to cover. ## Security and Public Safety The funding announcement follows a shooting at a San Diego mosque. The state's records link this policy action to the recent incident, though the documents do not provide a specific date for the shooting or details regarding casualties. The investment is framed as a response to rising concerns regarding hate-motivated violence directed at community gathering sites. This initiative coincides with other state actions, including the signing of Senate Bill 73 on May 27, 2026. That legislation, signed by Governor Newsom, restricts law enforcement interference in election administration and aims to protect election workers and voters from intimidation. The state is currently managing a broad portfolio of safety-related programs, ranging from these nonprofit grants to the deployment of over 785 emergency personnel for hazardous materials response in Orange County as of May 25, 2026. ## Resident Impact For residents, this funding may result in visible changes to their local community centers, mosques, churches, or temples. If a local organization receives a grant, the facility may implement new security features intended to create a safer environment for public gathering. These upgrades are designed to mitigate the risk of violence in spaces that are central to community life. While the funding originates from the state budget, the records do not provide a breakdown of the remaining balance of the $300 million total investment or how much of that sum remains unallocated for future security projects. Residents interested in whether their local institution has applied for or received these funds can monitor future updates from the state's grant administration portals. ## Key Questions **How much money is each nonprofit receiving?** The state has announced that 343 organizations will receive a share of the $80 million, but the records do not specify the individual grant amounts for each recipient. **What is the total amount California has spent on this program?** According to the Governor's Newsroom, the state has invested a total of $300 million in security for nonprofits and faith-based organizations since 2015.