New York state has opened applications for $50 million to strengthen safety and security measures at nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
The funding is the greatest amount ever available through the program, state officials said. Nonprofit organizations that have previously received grants may now apply for new security projects, and for the first time, cybersecurity projects will be considered for funding.
The state also announced $46 million in federal funding for 240 nonprofit organizations across the state facing an increased risk of terrorist attack. This critical funding will assist in strengthening the security of their facilities, as well as enhance overall preparedness.
“Hate has no place in New York, and we will continue to support organizations that are most vulnerable to vicious and violent attacks,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “With this new round of unprecedented funding, these at-risk facilities will be able to fund safety precautions, including cybersecurity projects, to protect vulnerable people from those who would lash out against them due to their ideology, belief or mission.”
Officials said the announcement came as hate and bias incidents persist throughout New York and federal authorities have warned of security threats in neighboring states targeting faith-based institutions. Hate crimes adversely 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 greater community. New York state tracks these incidents separately from other crimes so trends can be monitored, and steps can be taken to prevent them from occurring in the first place, officials said.
Provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Nonprofit Security Grant Program, $46 million in federal funds are being allocated to New York through two separate awards—$38.8 million for organizations within the New York City Metro Area and $7.2 million for organizations throughout the rest of the State.
The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders. The 240 nonprofit organizations that are receiving federal funding are allowed to use those grants for plans detailing security risk management, continuity of operations, and incident response; physical security enhancement equipment, and inspection and screening systems; active shooter training, and security training for employees, members or the congregation; response exercises; and contracted security personnel.
Administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the state-funded Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program is seeking proposals for the $50 million, which is anticipated to support approximately 1,000 projects across the state.
State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said the top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe and the funds “will help protect our nonprofit institutions from those driven by hateful extremism. We look forward to continuing to work with our nonprofit partners to ensure New York remains a safe place to provide services and conduct business.”
Created in 2017, the program provides funding to strengthen security measures and prevent hate crimes against nonprofit community and civic centers, cultural museums, day care centers, and other nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
The funding can be used to support exterior or interior security improvements, including but not limited to lighting, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, barriers, access controls, shatter-resistant glass and blast-resistant film, public address systems, and for the first time, measures to strengthen cybersecurity. Funds can also cover costs associated with security 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 for up to $50,000 per project. Each eligible organization may submit up to three applications for a maximum of $150,000. An eligible organization also may submit a separate application for up to $50,000 to fund a cybersecurity project.
Applications must be submitted to DCJS by Tuesday, Jan. 31. Visit the Grants/Funding page of the DCJS website for eligibility requirements, instructions, guidelines and additional information.