Governor Hochul Announces $96 Million to Improve Safety for Community-Based Nonprofit Organizations at Risk of Hate Crimes and Attacks

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of requests for $50 million to strengthen safety and security measures at nonprofit community organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. This funding is the highest amount ever available under the program. Nonprofits that have previously received grants can now apply for new security projects and, for the first time, cybersecurity projects will be considered for funding. Additionally, Governor Hochul announced $46 million in federal funding for 240 nonprofit organizations across the state facing increased risk of terrorist attack. This essential funding will help strengthen the security of their facilities, as well as improve overall preparedness.

“Hate has no place in New York, and we will continue to support organizations most vulnerable to vicious and violent attacks,” Governor Hochul said. “With this unprecedented new round of funding, these risky facilities will be able to fund security measures, including cybersecurity projects, to protect vulnerable people from those who would harm them because of their ideology, belief or assignment.”

“This funding and these efforts are positive steps in our fight against hate and intolerance,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “The governor and I will do everything in our power to ensure that people and organizations in our cities and state are protected from acts of hate.”

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said: “A hate crime against one New Yorker is a hate crime against all of us. DCJS is proud to administer this funding and I commend Governor Hochul for her continued support in our efforts to strengthen the safety of organizations at risk of be targeted and to help protect the individuals and families who benefit from the important services they provide.”

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said: “Governor Hochul’s top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, and these funds will help protect our nonprofit institutions from those motivated by hateful extremism. We look forward to continuing to work with our nonprofit partners to ensure that New York remains a safe place to provide services and conduct business.”

Representative Adriano Espaillat said: “We must remain vigilant and engaged in our efforts to combat the national and international risks that threaten to disrupt our daily lives, and it will take each of us working together to ensure public safety in our communities and the programs we create. I congratulate Governor Hochul on today’s announcement of the largest amount of state funding to help strengthen the security of our nonprofit and community organizations, and encourage all eligible programs to my district to apply for this funding to improve their safety and preparedness at facilities subject to targeting and at risk of hate crimes and other potential threats.”

Today’s announcement comes as incidents of hate and bias persist across New York and federal authorities have warned of security threats in neighboring states targeting faith-based institutions. Hate crimes negatively and disproportionately affect entire communities, not just the intended targets. While the number of hate crimes reported to police in the state represents a small fraction of total crime, these incidents traumatize and instill fear in the wider community. New York State tracks these incidents separately from other crimes so that trends can be monitored and action can be taken to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its nonprofit Security Grants Program, $46 million in federal funds are being allocated to New York City through two separate awards – $38.8 million $7.2 million for organizations in the New York metropolitan area and $7.2 million for organizations in the rest of the state. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders. The 240 nonprofits that receive federal funding are allowed to use these grants for plans detailing security risk management, business continuity, and incident response; physical security enhancement equipment and screening and screening systems; active shooter training and safety training for employees, members or the congregation; response exercises; and contract security personnel.

Administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the state-funded Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program is soliciting proposals for the $50 million, which is expected to support approximately 1,000 projects across the state.

Established in 2017, the program provides funding to strengthen security measures and prevent hate crimes against nonprofit community and civic centers, cultural museums, child care centers and other nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. This funding can be used to support exterior or interior security upgrades, including but not limited to lighting, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, gates, security controls, etc. access, shatterproof glass and blast resistant film, public address systems and for the first time, measures to enhance cybersecurity. Funds can also cover costs associated with safety training. To date, a total of $83.1 million has been awarded to more than 600 nonprofit organizations to support approximately 1,700 projects.

DCJS will accept applications up to $50,000 per project; each eligible organization may submit up to three applications for a maximum of $150,000. An eligible organization can also submit a separate request for up to $50,000 to fund a cybersecurity project. Applications must be submitted to the DCJS no later than Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Visit the Grants/Funding page of the DCJS website for eligibility requirements, instructions, guidelines and additional information.