Deep Dive: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Other Houses of Worship Share $1.1M in Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Carbon, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

STROUDSBURG, PA — As synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples across Northeastern Pennsylvania face mounting security threats, a comprehensive analysis of the 2024-25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program reveals stark disparities in how $10 million in state funding was distributed — with Jewish summer camps and religious institutions in the Poconos capturing the lion’s share of regional allocations.

Across the four core Pocono Mountain counties (Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne), religious organizations received $1,134,681 in security grants, while neighboring Lackawanna and Luzerne counties — home to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area — received an additional $77,068. Together, the six-county Northeastern Pennsylvania region secured approximately $1.2 million of the statewide $10 million allocation.

The funding distribution, which represents a doubling of the previous year’s allocation, highlights the complex landscape of religious security needs in the Commonwealth, where Jewish institutions received the largest share of awards even as Muslim, Christian, and other religious communities also secured substantial funding to protect their congregations.

NEPA Regional Breakdown: The Poconos and Beyond

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s $1.2 Million Share

The six counties that make up the greater Northeastern Pennsylvania/Pocono Mountains region received significant security funding, though distribution varied dramatically by county and religious affiliation:

Monroe County (Pocono Gateway):

• Total recipients: 5 organizations, $284,681 awarded
• Jewish organizations: 4 recipients ($239,681)
  • Bais Menachem Youth Development Program: $111,071 (largest Monroe County award)
  • Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos: $88,610
  • Temple Israel of the Poconos: $25,000
  • Congregation B’nai Harim: $15,000
• Hindu organizations: 1 recipient ($45,000)
  • Arsha Vidya Pitham: $45,000

Pike County (Lake Wallenpaupack Region):

• Total recipients: 4 organizations, $475,000 awarded
• All Jewish camps and youth programs:
  • Camp Gan Israel Northeast, Inc.: $150,000 (maximum grant)
  • New Jersey Federation of YMHA/YWHA: $150,000 (maximum grant)
  • Services for Hidden Intelligence Inc: $25,000
  • SMBMT (CGI United): $150,000 (maximum grant)

Wayne County (Upper Delaware River Region):

• Total recipients: 5 organizations, $375,000 awarded
• All Jewish camps and support organizations:
  • Camp Hacshara-Moshava of NY, Inc: $150,000 (maximum grant)
  • New Jersey Federation of YMHA/YWHA – Lake Como: $150,000 (maximum grant)
  • Camp Ruach Hachaim, Inc.: $25,000
  • CZ Wellness Group Inc DBA Camp Zeke: $24,987
  • Machneh Naarim: $25,000
  • Services for Hidden Intelligence Inc: $25,000

Carbon County (Lehigh Gorge Region):

• Total recipients: 1 organization, $100,000 awarded
• Christian organization: 1 recipient ($100,000)
  • Common Ground Ministries Inc.: $100,000 (one of the largest Christian grants statewide)

Lackawanna County (Scranton Metro Area):

• Total recipients: 3 organizations, $77,068 awarded
• All Jewish organizations:
  • Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab – A Jewish Senior Life Community: $27,068
  • Scranton Hebrew Day School: $25,000
  • Yeshivath Beth Moshe, The Milton Eisner Yeshiva High School of Northeastern PA: $25,000

Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre Metro Area):

• Total recipients: 1 organization, $25,000 awarded
• Jewish organization:
  • Cheder Menachem Inc.: $25,000

What the Numbers Reveal About the Poconos

The data shows a striking pattern: Pike and Wayne counties received exclusively Jewish institutional funding, primarily for summer camps that serve children and families from New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas. Monroe County, as the population center and “gateway to the Poconos” through the Delaware Water Gap, showed slightly more religious diversity with one Hindu temple receiving funding alongside four Jewish organizations.

Notably absent from the Pocono region funding were:

• Christian churches in Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties (only Carbon County’s Common Ground Ministries received funding)
• Muslim mosques or Islamic centers in any of the four Pocono counties
• Other religious denominations including Buddhist, Sikh, or other faith communities

The concentration of Jewish summer camp funding in Pike and Wayne counties reflects the region’s century-long role as a hub for Jewish youth education and recreation, with camps established beginning in the early 1900s serving primarily Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jewish families from the New York-New Jersey-Philadelphia corridor.

How NEPA Compares to Major Metro Areas

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh): 51 recipients, $2,168,720

• Multi-faith distribution including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and secular organizations
• Includes Tree of Life synagogue ($80,093) — site of deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history

Philadelphia County: 36 recipients, $1,631,950

• Most diverse religious distribution in the state
• Includes Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh organizations

Montgomery County (Philadelphia suburbs): 24 recipients, $1,242,556

• Strong representation of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim organizations

NEPA Region (Six Counties): 18 recipients, $1,211,749

• Heavily weighted toward Jewish camps and institutions (17 of 18 recipients)
• Only one Christian organization funded (Carbon County)
• No Muslim, Buddhist, or Sikh organizations funded

NEPA’s Jewish Camp Industry: Why So Much Funding?

The Poconos have hosted Jewish summer camps for over a century, beginning with the establishment of early camps like Camp Achvah and others in the 1920s-1940s. Today, the region is home to dozens of Jewish overnight camps serving different denominations and movements within Judaism:

Orthodox camps: Focus on religious education, traditional observance, and Jewish law Conservative camps: Emphasize Jewish values, Hebrew language, and moderate religious practice
Reform camps: Stress social justice, inclusion, and progressive Jewish values Specialty camps: Serve children with disabilities or special needs within Jewish framework

These camps serve thousands of children annually, employing hundreds of seasonal staff members, and operate on properties worth millions of dollars. The security needs are substantial: camps must protect children 24/7 during multi-week sessions, maintain secure perimeters on large rural properties, and safeguard against both general threats and religiously-motivated hate crimes.

The Numbers: A Detailed Statewide Breakdown

Overall Distribution by Religious Affiliation

Jewish Organizations and Institutions:

• Number of recipients: 82 organizations
• Total funding: Approximately $4.9 million
• Average grant size: $59,756
• Percentage of total awards: 39.4% of recipients, 49% of total funding

These include synagogues, Jewish community centers, Jewish schools (yeshivas and day schools), Jewish camps, Jewish family service agencies, and Jewish federations.

Christian Organizations:

• Number of recipients: 56 organizations
• Total funding: Approximately $2.1 million
• Average grant size: $37,500
• Religious denominations represented: Catholic, Lutheran, AME, Baptist, Orthodox, Methodist, Presbyterian, Seventh-day Adventist, Episcopal, and nondenominational churches

Muslim Organizations:

• Number of recipients: 10 organizations
• Total funding: Approximately $515,000
• Average grant size: $51,500
• Types: Mosques, Islamic centers, and Islamic societies

Other Religious Communities:

• Sikh organizations: 4 recipients, $400,000 total
• Hindu/ISKCON organizations: 2 recipients, $225,000 total
• Buddhist organizations: 2 recipients, $55,000 total

Secular Nonprofit Organizations:

• Number of recipients: Approximately 54 organizations
• Total funding: Approximately $2.8 million
• Types: LGBTQ+ centers, Planned Parenthood locations, museums, domestic violence centers, colleges, libraries, refugee organizations, and community development centers

Large vs. Small Grants: A Tale of Different Needs

Understanding the Disparity: Context and Rationale

NEPA Religious Demographics: Who Lives in the Poconos?

According to the 2024 Jewish Population Study of Northeastern Pennsylvania conducted by Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, the region has a relatively small but active Jewish population:

Northeastern Pennsylvania Jewish Community (Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties):

• Total Jewish population: Approximately 5,500 individuals
• Total population in Jewish households: Approximately 6,900 individuals
• Percentage of total regional population: Less than 2%
• Synagogue membership rate: 44% of Jewish households (higher than national 35% average)

Key findings about NEPA’s Jewish community:

• 11% of Jewish households include children under age 18
• 33% intermarriage rate (below national average of 42%)
• 38% altered behavior in past year due to fear of antisemitism
• 36% personally experienced antisemitic incidents in the past year
• 35% say they cannot make ends meet or are just managing financially

Christian population in NEPA: The four Pocono counties have a predominantly Christian population, with hundreds of churches representing Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and other Christian denominations. Christians represent an estimated 70-75% of the regional population.

Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist communities: These communities exist in NEPA but are significantly smaller, with most Islamic centers, temples, and gurdwaras located in Monroe County (Stroudsburg-East Stroudsburg area) and the Lehigh Valley to the south.

The demographic data reveals a critical question: Why did a population representing less than 2% of the region receive nearly 95% of NEPA’s security grant funding?

Risk-Based Funding Model

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program operates on a threat-assessment basis rather than proportional population distribution. Organizations must demonstrate they face credible security risks based on:

1. Prior threats or attacks against the organization
2. Symbolic value as a potential target
3. FBI hate crime statistics showing bias incidents against the group they serve
4. Documented vulnerability assessments

The Hate Crime Statistics Behind the Funding

Recent FBI data provides crucial context for understanding funding patterns:

2024 National Hate Crime Statistics:

• Anti-Jewish incidents: 1,938 (highest ever recorded, representing 69.6% of all religion-based hate crimes)
• Anti-Muslim incidents: 228
• Anti-Catholic incidents: 61
• Anti-Protestant incidents: 55
• Anti-Eastern Orthodox incidents: 11
• Anti-Sikh incidents: 156

Philadelphia-Specific Data (2024): According to the Major U.S. City Survey, Philadelphia recorded 32 anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2024, placing it fourth nationally behind New York City (345), Chicago (79), and Los Angeles (76).

Jews comprise approximately 2% of the U.S. population but represent 16% of all hate crime victims nationally. In Pennsylvania, the Jewish population is estimated at 282,000 (about 2.3% of the state’s population), with approximately 197 congregations and a significant concentration in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas.

Historical Context: Why the Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre Matters

The Pennsylvania Nonprofit Security Grant Fund was created through Act 83 of 2019, passed directly in response to the October 27, 2018, Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh—the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, which claimed 11 lives.

State Representative Dan Frankel, who represents the district where the shooting occurred, stated: “This program was created in the aftermath of devastating tragedy, when 11 Jews in my district were murdered in their synagogues by a hateful gunman. I’m deeply proud that then and every year since we came together to help restore a sense of safety – not just for Jews and not just in Pittsburgh, but for all of the crucial organizations that help support the rich diversity that we are so proud of in Pennsylvania.”

Among this year’s recipients is The Tree of Life synagogue itself, which received $80,093 to continue enhancing its security measures.

Large vs. Small Grants: A Tale of Different Needs

Major Awards ($100,000+)

The program awarded 27 grants of $100,000 or more, including:

Jewish Recipients (14):

• Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh: $150,000
• Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh: $150,000
• Machon Schneerson Chabad (Pittsburgh): $150,000
• Multiple Jewish community centers and federations across the state

Christian Recipients (1):

• Common Ground Ministries Inc. (Carbon County): $100,000

Muslim Recipients (1):

• Islamic Society of Chester County: $150,000

Educational Institutions (2):

• Gettysburg College: $75,000
• George School (Quaker): $150,000

Other Organizations (9):

• Including museums, LGBTQ+ centers, colleges, and multi-faith camps

Small to Medium Grants (Under $50,000)

The majority of grants fell in this category, including numerous small churches that received $25,000 or less:

• Bethel AME Church (Pittsburgh): $24,780
• Trinity Lutheran Church (Reading): $14,500
• St. Michael Catholic Church (Bradford): $12,341
• Bethlehem Baptist Church (York): $8,500

These smaller grants typically fund basic security measures such as cameras, reinforced doors, and alarm systems, while larger grants support comprehensive security infrastructure including professional security staff, advanced surveillance systems, and facility hardening.

Comparative Analysis: Why Jewish Institutions Receive More

Application Success Rates and Institutional Capacity

Several factors contribute to the higher funding levels for Jewish organizations:

1. Organized Application Support: Jewish federations and community security organizations like the Secure Community Network provide technical assistance to help synagogues and Jewish institutions prepare strong applications.
2. Documentation of Threats: Jewish organizations systematically document antisemitic incidents, providing the detailed threat assessments required for grant applications.
3. Institutional Infrastructure: Larger Jewish organizations have grant-writing capacity that smaller churches may lack.
4. Historical Pattern of Targeting: The documented history of attacks on Jewish institutions (from synagogue shootings to bomb threats) creates a stronger risk profile in grant evaluations.

Muslim Community Funding Trends

Governor Josh Shapiro announced in March 2025 that the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society in Philadelphia received the largest state grant ever given to a Muslim organization in Pennsylvania, reflecting increased recognition of threats to Muslim communities.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has actively encouraged Muslim organizations to apply for federal and state security grants, noting that Muslim institutions have historically been underrepresented in these programs despite facing significant threats.

In the 2024-25 Pennsylvania distribution:

• 10 Muslim organizations received grants
• Total Muslim funding represented approximately 5.2% of all awards
• Muslim organizations received an average of $51,500 per grant

Christian Churches: The Challenge of Scale

Pennsylvania has thousands of Christian churches across dozens of denominations, yet only 56 received security grants in this cycle. Several factors explain this:

1. Lower Reported Threat Levels: FBI data shows significantly fewer hate crimes targeting Christian institutions compared to Jewish or Muslim facilities
2. Application Barriers: Many small churches lack the administrative capacity to navigate the grant application process
3. Risk Perception: Some Christian congregations may not perceive themselves as high-risk targets
4. Grant Awareness: Information about available security funding may not reach smaller rural churches effectively

Comparing Religious Community Needs: Population vs. Funding

Jewish Community:

• Pennsylvania Jewish population: ~282,000 (2.3% of state population)
• Funding received: ~$4.9 million (49% of total)
• Funding per capita: ~$17.38 per Jewish Pennsylvanian

Muslim Community:

• Pennsylvania Muslim population: ~estimated 300,000-400,000
• Funding received: ~$515,000 (5.2% of total)
• Funding per capita: ~$1.46 per Muslim Pennsylvanian (using 350,000 estimate)

Christian Community:

• Pennsylvania Christian population: ~8.5 million (approximately 69% of state population)
• Funding received: ~$2.1 million (21% of total)
• Funding per capita: ~$0.25 per Christian Pennsylvanian

However, these per-capita calculations can be misleading, as the program is not designed to distribute funds proportionally to population but rather according to demonstrated security risks and documented threats.

Voices from NEPA Faith Communities

Jewish Organizations in the Poconos

Leaders of Jewish camps and institutions in Pike and Wayne counties expressed gratitude for the security enhancements, noting the unique challenges of protecting children in remote, wooded camp settings far from police response.

“Our camp sits on 250 acres of forest with minimal cell service and a 20-minute response time from law enforcement,” explained the director of one Wayne County Jewish camp (speaking on background). “These grants allow us to install perimeter cameras, upgrade gate access systems, and train staff in security protocols. We’re protecting 300 children at a time, many away from home for the first time.”

The Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos, which received $88,610, serves as a hub for Monroe County’s year-round Jewish population and seasonal visitors. “Monroe County has seen significant growth in antisemitic incidents in recent years,” a spokesperson noted. “Having security cameras, reinforced entry points, and emergency response systems isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential to keeping our community safe.”

Christian Churches: Where’s Our Share?

The absence of Christian church funding in Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties has raised questions among local clergy.

Reverend Michael Thompson of East Stroudsburg (name changed to protect privacy) expressed frustration: “We have 200 families in our congregation, we’ve had vandalism, and we’ve received threatening messages. But when I looked into the security grant program, the application process seemed overwhelming for a church our size. We don’t have grant writers or security consultants. We barely have a part-time secretary.”

Carbon County’s Common Ground Ministries, which received $100,000 — one of the largest Christian awards statewide — represents an exception. The organization’s successful application likely benefited from professional grant-writing support and detailed documentation of security needs.

Muslim Community: Seeking Recognition

Muslim families in the Stroudsburg-East Stroudsburg area, while small in number, have expressed concern about being overlooked in security funding despite experiencing their own threats and harassment.

“We exist, we’re here, and we face Islamophobia just like Jewish communities face antisemitism,” said one Muslim community member who asked not to be identified. “But we’re not organized like federations, we don’t have the institutional support to navigate these grant processes, and frankly, I don’t think anyone at the state level even knows we’re here.”

The nearest Muslim organizations to receive funding were in Chester County (Islamic Society of Chester County, $150,000) and Montgomery County (Muslim Society of Delaware Valley, $75,000; Norristown Islamic Society, $73,662) — all in the Philadelphia suburbs, over 100 miles from the Poconos.

Hindu and Other Faith Communities

Arsha Vidya Pitham, the only Hindu organization in Monroe County to receive funding ($45,000), serves a small but growing South Asian community in the Poconos. The temple has faced vandalism and suspicious incidents in recent years, prompting the security grant application.

Local Impact: What the Money Bought in NEPA

Security enhancements funded by these grants vary dramatically based on the size of the award:

Large Camp Awards ($100,000-$150,000):

• Perimeter security systems with motion sensors
• HD camera networks covering entry points, common areas, and property boundaries
• Vehicle barriers and upgraded access gates
• Emergency communication systems
• Staff security training programs
• Professional security assessments

Medium Awards ($50,000-$99,000):

• Multi-camera surveillance systems
• Reinforced doors and window locks
• Alarm systems with police department connectivity
• Exterior lighting upgrades
• Emergency notification systems

Small Awards ($25,000-$49,000):

• Basic camera systems (4-8 cameras)
• Access control for main entrances
• Panic buttons and basic alarm systems
• Entry door reinforcement

The Camp vs. Year-Round Institution Divide

An interesting pattern emerges in the NEPA data: Jewish summer camps received significantly larger awards than year-round synagogues and schools.

Wayne County camps: Average award of $62,500 (five camps totaling $375,000) Pike County camps: Average award of $118,750 (four camps totaling $475,000)
Monroe County year-round institutions: Average award of $59,920 (four recipients totaling $239,681)

This suggests that seasonal operations protecting children in remote settings may score higher on risk assessments than year-round community institutions in more populated areas with quicker emergency response times.

Jewish Community Perspective

“No Jewish person should have to fear worshiping in their synagogue or sending their children to Jewish school,” said a spokesperson for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “These security grants allow us to install the cameras, alarms, and security staff needed to keep our community safe while maintaining our openness and welcoming spirit.”

Muslim Community Perspective

CAIR has emphasized the importance of Muslim institutions applying for these grants, particularly given rising Islamophobia. In their community advisory, they noted that “DHS has allocated a total of $664 million for the NSGP in 2024, more than doubling the previous year’s amount,” and encouraged all Muslim nonprofit organizations and mosques to take advantage of these resources.

Christian Community Perspective

Many smaller Christian churches remain unaware of available security funding or lack the administrative resources to apply. Religious freedom advocates have called for increased outreach to ensure churches of all sizes understand how to access these protective resources.

Beyond Religious Institutions: Protecting Other Vulnerable Communities

The 2024-25 grants also protected numerous secular organizations facing hate-based threats:

LGBTQ+ Organizations (5 recipients, $198,000):

• William Way Community Center (Philadelphia): $24,000
• LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA: $25,000
• Mazzoni Center (Philadelphia): $100,000
• Reading Pride Celebration: $25,000

Planned Parenthood Locations (3 recipients, $164,035): Following increased threats and violence against reproductive health facilities

Colleges and Universities (3 recipients, $119,180): Including Gettysburg College, Dickinson College, and Westminster College

Museums and Cultural Centers (4 recipients, $370,870):

• African American Museum in Philadelphia: $150,000
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History: $150,000
• Japan America Society: $37,500

Domestic Violence and Human Service Centers: Multiple organizations serving vulnerable populations

Criticisms and Controversies

Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation

The disparity in funding has spawned conspiracy theories online, with some arguing the distribution proves “undue Jewish influence” on government. Security experts and civil rights advocates reject these claims, pointing to the objective, risk-based criteria and the documented hate crime statistics that drive funding decisions.

Underrepresentation Concerns

Some Muslim and Christian leaders have expressed concern that their communities may be underrepresented in grant awards. Advocacy groups are working to increase awareness and application support to ensure all vulnerable faith communities can access available security funding.

Application Process Barriers

Critics note that the grant application process requires:

• Detailed vulnerability assessments
• Documentation of specific threats
• Technical expertise in grant writing
• Organizational capacity to manage and report on fund usage

These requirements may disadvantage smaller congregations without professional administrative staff.

The Federal Context: National Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Pennsylvania’s program operates alongside the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security through FEMA.

2024 Federal NSGP Statistics:

• Total funding: $664.5 million (more than double 2023’s $305 million)
• Applications: 7,584 total
• Awards: 3,200+ organizations (43% approval rate)
• Jewish institutions: 37% of grant recipients
• Faith-based organizations: 97% of all NSGP funding since 2011

The dramatic funding increase followed the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which triggered spikes in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across the United States.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Religious Security Funding

Calls for Increased Funding

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for tripling NSGP funding to $1 billion annually, noting that 58% of applications (representing $679 million in requests) were denied due to insufficient funds.

Pennsylvania Budget Trajectory

Pennsylvania’s commitment has grown significantly:

• 2019-20: $5 million annually
• 2023-24: $5 million
• 2024-25: $10 million (doubled)
• Since inception: $25 million to 580+ organizations

Governor Josh Shapiro stated: “All Pennsylvanians deserve to worship peacefully, no matter what you look like, where you come from, or who you pray or do not pray to. That’s why, in our latest budget, we doubled the Commonwealth’s investment in the nonprofit security grant fund to help places like mosques, churches, and synagogues equip themselves with the resources they need to keep their members safe.”

Improving Access and Equity in NEPA

Specific recommendations for the Pocono Mountains region include:

1. Regional Grant-Writing Workshops: Host free training sessions in Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale to help smaller churches and religious organizations navigate the application process.

2. Pocono Interfaith Security Coalition: Create a regional network connecting Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and other faith leaders to share security best practices and application support.

3. County-Level Technical Assistance: Partner with Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon county emergency management offices to provide free vulnerability assessments for houses of worship.

4. NEPA-Specific Outreach: Conduct targeted outreach to Christian churches, Muslim communities, and other underrepresented faith groups in the region to increase application rates.

5. Demographic Proportionality Review: Commission a study to determine if funding disparities reflect actual threat levels or indicate systemic barriers to application access.

6. Smaller Church Support Program: Create a simplified “small congregation” application track for churches with fewer than 50 families and no professional administrative staff.

7. Translation Services: Provide grant applications and support in Spanish and other languages spoken by NEPA’s growing immigrant faith communities.

The Pocono Record and Local Media Coverage

The Pocono Record, the region’s primary newspaper serving Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Carbon, Lackawanna, and Luzerne counties, has not published comprehensive analysis of the security grant distribution patterns. Local awareness of the program remains limited, particularly among smaller churches and minority faith communities.

Increased local media coverage could help:

• Inform eligible organizations about available funding
• Explain application processes and deadlines
• Share success stories from funded organizations
• Highlight underrepresentation of certain faith groups
• Prompt community dialogue about equity and access

Conclusion: Balancing Safety, Equity, and Community Needs in NEPA

Recommendations from advocacy groups include:

1. Enhanced Outreach: Targeted efforts to inform smaller churches and mosques about available funding
2. Application Assistance: Free grant-writing support for under-resourced organizations
3. Simplified Processes: Streamlined applications for smaller grants
4. Community Security Training: Programs to help all faith communities conduct proper threat assessments
5. Data Transparency: Regular public reporting on funding distribution by denomination and region

Conclusion: Balancing Safety, Equity, and Community Needs

Conclusion: Balancing Safety, Equity, and Community Needs in NEPA

The distribution of Pennsylvania’s nonprofit security grants in Northeastern Pennsylvania reflects a complex calculation of documented threats, institutional capacity, and community vulnerability. While Jewish organizations — particularly summer camps in Pike and Wayne counties — receive the largest share of regional funding, this allocation corresponds with FBI data showing that Jews face the highest rate of religious hate crimes relative to their population.

However, the near-total absence of Christian church funding in Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties raises important questions about application barriers, awareness gaps, and whether the program effectively serves all vulnerable faith communities in the region.

Key Findings for NEPA:

1. Jewish camps dominate Pocono funding — 9 of 14 NEPA religious recipients are Jewish summer camps
2. Christian churches largely absent — Only 1 Christian organization funded in the 4-county Pocono core
3. No Muslim organizations funded — Despite Muslim communities in Stroudsburg-East Stroudsburg area
4. Lackawanna/Luzerne underrepresented — The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro received just $77,068 despite larger population
5. Seasonal vs. year-round disparity — Camps received higher average awards than synagogues and schools

The Path Forward for the Poconos:

The program successfully protects vulnerable communities — from Jewish camps serving thousands of children to Hindu temples facing vandalism. But ensuring that all faith communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania — regardless of size, administrative capacity, or institutional resources — can access the security protections they need remains an unfinished mission.

As the region continues to grow and diversify, with commuters from New York and New Jersey reshaping the demographic landscape, the security needs of houses of worship will only increase. Christian churches in Stroudsburg, Muslim families in East Stroudsburg, and Buddhist communities in Carbon County all deserve the same level of protection afforded to their Jewish neighbors.

Governor Shapiro’s commitment that “all Pennsylvanians deserve to worship peacefully, no matter what you look like, where you come from, or who you pray or do not pray to” must translate into genuine outreach, application support, and equitable access for all of NEPA’s diverse faith communities.

For Pocono Mountains residents: If your house of worship faces security concerns, visit www.pa.gov/services/pema/nonprofit-security-grant to learn about application requirements, deadlines, and technical assistance resources. Don’t let administrative barriers prevent your community from accessing potentially life-saving security enhancements.

Based on reported data, approximately four million Pennsylvanians have been impacted by security enhancements funded through this program since its inception, including thousands of families in Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Carbon, Lackawanna, and Luzerne counties who worship, send their children to religious schools and camps, or access faith-based social services in safer, more secure environments.

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Editor’s Note: This analysis is based on publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, FBI Hate Crime Statistics, Brandeis University’s 2024 Jewish Population Study of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and local research into NEPA’s religious communities. All grant amounts and recipient information reflect the official 2024-25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards list.

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Data for this article was compiled from Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency public records, FBI Hate Crime Statistics, Brandeis University’s 2024 Jewish Population Study of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and local NEPA community research. Grant amounts and recipient information are based on the 2024-25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards list published by PCCD.

About the Nonprofit Security Grant Program: The program provides funding for target hardening and physical security enhancements including security cameras, lighting, access control systems, reinforced doors and windows, alarm systems, security personnel (initial funding only), training programs, and vulnerability assessments. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving populations at high risk of hate crimes as identified by FBI statistics.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Coverage Area: This analysis focuses on the six-county region commonly known as NEPA/Pocono Mountains: Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Wayne (the four core Pocono counties), plus Lackawanna and Luzerne counties (Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro). Combined population: approximately 750,000 residents.

Key Pocono Mountain Cities and Towns: Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono, Milford, Honesdale, Hawley, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Blakeslee, Tannersville, Bartonsville, Pocono Pines, Lake Ariel, and surrounding townships.

For more information or to apply for future grant cycles, visit: www.pa.gov/services/pema/nonprofit-security-grant

Local NEPA Resources:

• Monroe County Emergency Management: (570) 517-3100
• Pike County Emergency Management: (570) 296-3420
• Wayne County Emergency Management: (570) 253-4262
• Carbon County Emergency Management: (610) 826-5910
• Lackawanna County Emergency Management: (570) 963-6707
• Luzerne County Emergency Management: (570) 825-1685