A day before the midterm election, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday that she was investing money protecting community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes.
Hochul pledged $96 million on November 7 and announced that non-profits and community-based organizations that may encounter prejudice-based violence because of their service, their religious beliefs, or other reasons are now eligible for a financial boost. can apply for. According to the governor’s office, the allocation is the largest amount ever made available through the program.
“Hate has no place in New York, and we will continue to support organizations that are vulnerable to vicious and violent attacks,” Hochul said. “With this new round of unprecedented funding, these at-risk facilities will be able to fund security precautions, including cybersecurity projects, to protect vulnerable people from those because of their ideology, belief or mission.”
It is expected that this funding will not only strengthen security against potential attacks but also boost preparedness. It comes as neighboring New Jersey faced threats against its synagogue over the weekend, with Mayor Eric Adams even declaring that houses of worship in New York saw a bump in police presence.
Of the $96 million earmarked for protection, nonprofits can now apply for $50 million through the state’s Safer Communities Against Hate Crimes program. Additionally, $46 million will be provided to 240 nonprofits through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Nonprofit Safety Grants Program.
“This funding and these efforts are positive steps in our fight against hate and intolerance,” Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said. “The governor and I will do everything in our power to ensure that people and organizations in our cities and in our state are protected from heinous acts.”
Hochul also noted that non-profit organizations that have previously been granted grants can still apply to these programs to help fund security projects, including cybersecurity, which will be considered for funding for the first time. In addition, the funding can be used for exterior or interior security improvements such as lighting, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fences, shatter-resistant glass, explosion-resistant film, security training and more.
“A hate crime against a New Yorker is a hate crime against all of us. DCJS is proud to administer this funding and I am working to help strengthen security and protect individuals and families in organizations at risk of being targeted. Governor Hochul for those who benefit from the important services he provides,” said New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rosana Rosado.
For more details regarding eligibility, visit the grant/funding page of the DCJS website.
