As LGBTQ+ organizations continue to face threats and acts of intimidation across the country, Pennsylvania is opening another round of funding to help nonprofits improve the safety and security of their spaces.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has announced a new $10 million round of its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund, which provides funding for security upgrades at organizations that serve communities targeted by hate crimes, including LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.
Eligible nonprofits can request between $5,000 and $150,000 to help pay for security improvements ranging from surveillance cameras and exterior lighting to electronic locks, emergency communications equipment, trauma kits, staff training, and building upgrades designed to better protect staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Organizations do not need to have experienced a hate crime to qualify. However, PCCD says priority will be given to nonprofits that can demonstrate they have been the target of a previous hate crime or have received credible threats against their organization or the communities they serve.
The grants are open to Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary mission serves communities protected under the FBI’s hate crime bias categories, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
During the program’s previous funding cycle, Pittsburgh organizations SisTers PGH and TransYOUniting were recommended to receive security grants to strengthen protections for their facilities and the communities they serve.
Grant requests of $25,000 or less do not require matching funds. Larger awards require applicants to provide a non-state cash match, though those matching funds may come from fundraising, federal grants, local governments, or other non-state sources.
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The grant program reimburses approved expenses after projects are completed, rather than providing funding upfront.
How to Apply
Application window: July 24 through Sept. 10, 2026 (closes at 11:45 p.m.)
Who can apply?
Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that primarily serve communities protected under the FBI’s hate crime bias categories, including LGBTQ+ organizations.
Award amounts: $5,000–$150,000
Eligible projects include:
- Security cameras and surveillance systems
- Protective lighting
- Electronic locks and access control
- Emergency communications equipment
- Trauma kits
- Threat awareness and response training
- Safety and security planning
- Structural security improvements
- Vulnerability and threat assessments
Matching requirements:
- Up to $25,000: No match required
- $25,001–$75,000: 33% non-state cash match
- Over $75,000: 50% non-state cash match
Organizations will first submit a brief initial request. Selected applicants will then be invited to complete a full application through the state’s Egrants system.
Applicants should have their organization’s legal name and EIN, project location information, estimated budget, and a short description of their security needs ready before beginning the application.
The application, program guidelines, and frequently asked questions are available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Active Funding Announcements page.