Nearly 300 nonprofit organizations across New York will receive a record $70 million to strengthen security against hate crimes and attacks, as the state also increases police patrols ahead of the Jewish High Holidays.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 290 community-based organizations will receive funding through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program, administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
The grants will support physical security improvements, cybersecurity projects and training designed to protect staff and the people served by participating organizations.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority — and even as we’ve driven violent crime to historic lows, any increase in hate crimes is absolutely unacceptable,” said Governor Hochul.
Eligible organizations include houses of worship, religious organizations, community and civic centers, cultural museums, daycare centers and other nonprofits considered vulnerable because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. Organizations could request up to $250,000, the largest maximum award since the program began in 2017.
New York City received the largest share of the funding, with 147 grants totaling nearly $35.8 million. The Mid-Hudson region received 99 grants totaling nearly $24.2 million, followed by Long Island with 25 grants totaling about $6 million. Five other regions also received awards.
The funding comes as reported hate crimes continue to increase. New York City data through Aug. 30 showed a 16% increase in reported hate crimes compared with the same period last year. Anti-Jewish crimes increased 8%, accounting for more than half of confirmed hate crimes.
Hochul also directed New York State Police to increase patrols and coordination with local law enforcement around sensitive sites during the Jewish High Holidays. Troopers will maintain high-visibility patrols in Jewish communities and at religious institutions while working with community security organizations, the NYPD and federal partners.
Since Hochul took office, the state has provided more than $201 million for 2,035 projects through the hate crime security grant program. The latest awards will help organizations install measures including lighting, alarms, panic buttons, access controls, fencing, shatter-resistant glass and cybersecurity protections.
