California to receive 10% of federal fund to curb hate crimes

California is about to get the largest share of money in the country from a federal grant program to curb hate-based crime. 

The more than $40 million coming to California is headed to over 300 California nonprofits, mostly faith-based organizations. That’s 10% of the program’s funds.  

“It's been a game changer for communities like ours, which are small and can't afford to make these kinds of upgrades on our own, but desperately need them,” said Mary Frank, the executive director of Temple Or Rishon Sunrise Jewish Congregation in Orangevale. She said this is the third round of funding they’ve received through the program. 

The grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA. Nonprofits can use it to bolster security by putting in lighting and cameras, reinforcing doors and adding control systems. 

The federal government has steadily increased the program's funds since 2021, from $180 million to $454.5 million. Of that increase, $180 million comes from the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024.

Frank said Temple Or Rishon will use the $141,000 grant it receives to expand a fence, add cameras and hire security guards. 

She said since last year’s Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel, the congregation has received a bomb threat and its building was tagged several times. 

Oak Hills Church in Folsom will receive money from the program for the first time this year. 

“We have – I would say – over 20 groups that meet here on a weekly basis,” Oak Hills Church Pastor Manuel Luz said. “That’s perhaps thousands of people on our campus all the time.”

He said the church’s security equipment isn’t up to date. It plans to use the $150,000 grant to put in new lights and cameras and upgrade the doors and security system. 

“So when our guests from some of the AA groups come in, we want them to feel safe. When we have homeless people coming on our campus, we want them to feel safe. And our own people,” he said.

Although hate crimes overall are declining in California, a state report showed that hate crimes involving a religious bias increased 30% last year. Anti-Black hate crimes decreased, though they were still the most prevalent.