The state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, initially scheduled for distribution this fall, is now accepting applications from nonprofit organisations
A motion before the Los Angeles City Council to allocate $2 million in grants for private security at faith-based organizations has been withdrawn after the announcement of expedited state funding, officials confirmed.
The proposal, introduced by Council Members Katy Yaroslavsky and Bob Blumenfield, aimed to support security measures for religious institutions across the city. However, a joint statement from the council members and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles noted that Governor Gavin Newsom had fast-tracked more than $76 million in nonprofit security grants, making the city’s motion unnecessary.
“Given the state’s accelerated timeline, the motion is no longer necessary and will be respectfully withdrawn,” the statement read.
The state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, initially scheduled for distribution this fall, is now accepting applications from nonprofit organisations. Interested parties can apply through the California Office of Emergency Services website, with a deadline of September 23.
The decision to expedite state funding follows recent incidents, including violence at the Adas Torah Synagogue, that highlighted the need for enhanced security at Jewish institutions and other religious sites. “This decisive action… will greatly improve safety at Jewish institutions across Los Angeles, ensuring our communities can gather in peace,” the statement added.
In a unanimous vote, the City Council supported Yaroslavsky’s request to withdraw the $2 million proposal. Yaroslavsky noted that city officials are now exploring other ways to assist local institutions, including providing technical help to those seeking state funding and consulting with the City Attorney’s Office on the possibility of creating “buffer zones” around religious institutions and sensitive locations like Planned Parenthood. The council is also reviewing Los Angeles Police Department protocols related to managing protests.
“As we work together to protect all of our communities in Los Angeles during what are incredibly challenging times… we’re seeing the polarization is incredibly intense, and we shouldn’t be seeing that playing out on our streets,” Yaroslavsky said during the council meeting.
The original motion, which sought $1 million to fund security at Jewish places of worship, community centers, and schools, was later expanded to include other faiths, with the proposed funding increased to $2 million. The plan was for the city’s Civil and Human Rights Department to manage the funds in a program similar to the state’s nonprofit security grants.
Despite the motion’s withdrawal, the council meeting drew about 30 speakers who protested the $2 million proposal, many expressing concerns about using taxpayer money for private security. The meeting saw interruptions from some attendees, with a few being removed from the chamber for disrupting the proceedings.
