The Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant program pays for security equipment, training, and other critical safety needs for faith organizations and nonprofits targeted because of their mission, ideology, or beliefs.
In 2023, nearly $500,000 was distributed among 20 faith-based organizations and nonprofits in Washington State whose sites, members, or visitors had been targeted for bias or hate crimes. Commerce awarded up to $25,000 to each grantee. Commerce received 116 applications requesting more than $2.4 million in funding.
Who is eligible?
The Washington State Legislature updated this program and added funding in the winter of 2024. These new grants must be awarded to:
- Religious institutions
- Nonprofit by-and-for organizations
- Nonprofit community centers
What can these grants be used for?
- Physical security enhancements (e.g. improved doors, fences, lighting, or security systems)
- Target hardening (e.g. cement barriers in front of a building)
- Renovation and repairs to enhance security
- Preparedness planning, training, or exercises
2025 Community outreach meeting
There will be a Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant community outreach Zoom meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM to discuss the program and get stakeholder input and priorities. This conversation will help shape the process. The meeting will be recorded for those who are unable to attend.
- Register to attend May 21, 2025 meeting over Zoom
- Agenda for the May 21, 2025 Community outreach meeting (PDF)
Note: This funding is contingent on Governor Ferguson’s approving a budget which includes this funding.
2024 Grant application update
In 2024, the Washington state legislature approved $1.5 million in funding to help faith-based organizations and nonprofits whose sites, members, or visitors had been targeted for bias or hate crimes. Commerce awarded 33 organizations with grants up to $50,000.
Commerce received 57 applications requesting $2,487,394 in funding. Applicants included many diverse communities from 11 different counties throughout the state.
Available funds
The 2024 grant application cycle has closed. Please check this page for updates regarding future funding cycles.