Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday that New York is putting up to $70 million on the table through its Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program, money that nonprofits, houses of worship and community centers can use to harden security and guard against bias-motivated attacks. She framed the move as real protection instead of feel-good speeches, stressing that the package includes both cash and technical support. The announcement lands after a run of threats and vandalism that, according to community leaders, has left congregations and small nonprofits rattled.
What the grants pay for
The program, run by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, reimburses nonprofit organizations for a wide range of security upgrades, from cameras and access control to cybersecurity improvements and staff training. Those details are laid out in the DCJS Request for Applications. A single application can cover multiple projects at the same site, and each applicant can seek up to $200,000. DCJS materials also bundle in a vulnerability self-assessment and clear lists of what is and is not an eligible cost, so groups can focus on work that is more likely to clear state review.
Where the $70 million figure comes from
Hochul has been gradually scaling up the program in recent state budgets. One year, the program grew by $25 million, then another $35 million the next, and she told reporters in November that the total now works out to roughly $70 million every two years. In a Governor of New York transcript of those remarks she said, “it’s now up to $70 million for every two year cycle.” Her latest post restated that level of funding and cast it as part of a broader effort to turn threats into specific safety investments.
Why now
State officials point to a long-running rise in reported hate incidents, especially religion-based crimes and vandalism that target whole communities rather than individuals. A report by the New York State Comptroller found that hate incidents climbed sharply through 2023 and urged stronger reporting and prevention efforts. Community leaders say the extra money is meant to plug security gaps while law enforcement and prosecutors continue their investigations and cases.
How to apply and who qualifies
Eligible nonprofits, including day care centers, cultural institutions, community centers and houses of worship, must first prequalify in the state’s financial system. Applications then go through DCJS, whose RFA packages include the vulnerability self-assessment and a detailed budget template. In earlier funding rounds, the state projected support for between 125 and 300 projects and urged applicants to start prequalification early in order to sidestep technical delays. DCJS also recommends that organizations coordinate with local law enforcement when they develop threat assessments so proposed projects fit into existing emergency-response plans.
What to expect next
Officials say awards will be made once applications are scored and contracts are signed, and that smaller organizations without seasoned grant writers can get technical help. Advocates have welcomed the funding but argue it needs to be paired with stronger outreach, better reporting systems and faster turnaround times so vulnerable sites are not left hanging. “When we stand together, hate cannot divide us,” Hochul wrote on X, a line that community leaders have echoed during roundtables held after recent threats.
