Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program

The Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program is administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, a state agency responsible for enhancing public safety through data analysis, funding administration, and support for criminal justice initiatives. The program is designed to address the growing concern of hate crimes targeting individuals and organizations based on characteristics such as race, religion, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation. Through this initiative, the agency aims to strengthen security infrastructure at nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable due to their mission, beliefs, or community role. The purpose of this grant program is to fund projects that improve the physical and cybersecurity resilience of nonprofit organizations across New York State. Eligible projects include facility hardening, installation of security systems, and cybersecurity enhancements that directly mitigate identified risks. The program prioritizes investments that reduce vulnerabilities identified through required assessments and that contribute to broader community safety. Funding is intended to support new or expanded security measures rather than replace existing resources or reimburse previously funded activities. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of allowable costs including physical security enhancements such as surveillance systems, access control, lighting, fencing, and reinforced entryways, as well as cybersecurity tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption software. Training related to security awareness and emergency preparedness is also eligible. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including personnel salaries, indirect costs, operating expenses, and projects already funded through other sources. All funded activities must occur within the contract period and directly correspond to vulnerabilities identified in the application. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under federal law and are located within New York State. Applicants must demonstrate that they are at risk of hate crimes based on their mission or identity and must be prequalified in the New York State financial system prior to submission. Organizations that have received prior funding may apply again only if the proposed project is distinct or builds upon previously funded work. Applicants must also comply with registration requirements and provide documentation supporting their nonprofit status. The application process requires submission through the Division of Criminal Justice Services Grants Management System. Applicants must complete detailed narrative responses, submit a vulnerability assessment for each facility, and provide supporting documentation including budgets, work plans, and photographs of proposed project sites. Applications are evaluated through a multi-tiered review process that includes eligibility screening, scoring based on risk and project quality, and final selection by agency leadership. The process emphasizes fairness, completeness, and alignment with state priorities for public safety. The application period opened on April 15, 2026 and will close on July 8, 2026 at noon Eastern Time. Applicants are required to submit any questions by May 6, 2026, with responses provided later that month. Award notifications are expected in early September 2026, with contracts anticipated to begin on January 1, 2027 and extend for a 24-month period. The program is expected to make between $35 million and $70 million available, supporting approximately 140 to 280 projects across the state. Overall, this grant program represents a targeted effort by New York State to proactively address threats against vulnerable communities by investing in preventative security measures. By funding both physical and digital protections, the program supports nonprofit organizations in safeguarding their facilities and operations while contributing to broader efforts to reduce hate crimes and enhance community resilience.

Strongly align proposed projects with identified vulnerabilities and clearly demonstrate risk of hate crimes, as these are heavily weighted in evaluation scoring.