NYS Accepting Applications for Security Grants for Institutions at Risk of Hate Crimes

By Hamodia Staff

NEW YORK — New York state has begun accepting applications for security grants for institutions at risk of hate crimes.

Private schools, houses of worship, day care and community centers, and other organizations that could be a target of hate crimes may apply for up to $200,000 toward security costs from the Securing Communities Against Hate program.

The funding can be used to support exterior or interior security improvements, including lighting, locks, alarms, fencing, barriers, shatter-resistant glass, and measures to strengthen cybersecurity.

Last year’s budget allocated $25 million for the program, and Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she would seek to boost that to $35 million next year.

Hochul has also proposed boosting the number of hate crimes from its current 66 to 97, including arson, graffiti and gang assault.

The initiatives come amid a rise in hate crimes particularly against Jews in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7th attack in Israel.

Applications for this grant are available at https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ofpa/index.htm and must be submitted by May 17.

“No price is too high when we are talking about protecting people from hate and violence,” state Sen. Simcha Felder said in a statement Friday. “Safety and security is our top priority! Every yeshiva, shul and daycare must have the funds necessary to ensure that everyone on their premises can return home safely to their family at the end of the day.”

“My colleagues in the state legislature and I have been fighting for this funding for years and I thank the Governor for recognizing its significance,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “I am especially grateful that we were able to include my proposal to greatly expand the eligible criteria to include upstate summer camps. The surge in antisemitism in New York cannot be ignored. This program will allow nonprofits and other organizations to increase safety and security on their premises.”