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 was 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.
- Watch the recorded May 21, 2025 community outreach meeting on Zoom
- Password: QR+5LQJ+
- View the May 21, 2025 community outreach slideshow (PDF)
2025 Grant information
2025 Grant questions and answers
Download 2025 Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant Question and Answers (PDF)