Anne Arundel County approves budget, includes $150k in security grants for at-risk groups

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY (WBFF) — The Anne Arundel County Council just unanimously passed the FY27 budget, which includes investments in education, health and human services and public safety. Notably, the budget includes $150,000 for a grant program to fund security investments for non-profits and faith based organizations at risk of hate crimes.

“Everyone should feel safe when they go to worship, on whatever day they worship and for whatever religion they worship,” said Anne Arundel County Councilmember Amanda Fiedler.

While the funding was not initially included in the budget proposed by Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, County Council members made sure to include it. A big push for the funding came from the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake, along with other organizations.

“We’re thrilled that something got in,” said Jody Goldsmith, the president of the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake. “We were obviously originally asking for a more robust program that could even make much more of a difference, but we are very, very happy that, contrary to what the County Executive was first putting in, that the council members, seven council members, unanimously pushed forward for a pilot program. So, this program is only for $150,000 but it’s a start, and that can be built upon after that.”

With the rise of hate and antisemitism targeting different religious and community groups, the funding would help full security gaps, like for organizations that operate schools or frequently require security guards.

While the money has been allocated, many details about this program are not yet clear. During the budget meeting, County officials said they will now need to establish he grant program and the parameters of the grant program. From the start, Goldsmith said he wants this grant program to be inclusive of various religions, organizations and community groups.

“I am hoping that it’s going to be all faith and nonprofits, because I tell you that the Pride community had joined with us in pushing for this and helping us, and certainly any organization that is a nonprofit that’s trying to gather appropriately should have access to these funds,” Goldsmith said.

“This means that there is another pot of money that can make a difference in defraying costs to allow everyone to gather and worship or join how they feel is appropriate in accordance with our constitutional rights,” he added. “The government’s supposed to protect us, to allow us to pray as we see fit, and this will help us do that without taking money from other programs.”

“The process that led to passage of this budget was collaborative, nonpartisan, and driven by our shared desire to enhance the lives of our residents,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman.

Other counties have similar programs in place. For instance, Montgomery County awarded $1.7 Million in FY26 for nonprofit security grants to help nonprofit and religious groups with safety needs.