New York announces $70 million in hate crime prevention grants

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $70 million in state grants to help protect nonprofit organizations vulnerable to hate crimes. The funding is being distributed through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) program, which is administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

The grants will be awarded to 290 community-based organizations, including houses of worship, religious institutions, community centers, daycares, and cultural institutions. Eligible expenses include physical security upgrades such as lighting, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, shatter-resistant glass, and blast-resistant film, as well as cybersecurity enhancements and security training. Organizations are permitted to request up to $250,000 each.

The announcement comes as New York City has seen a rise in reported hate crimes. The funding is intended to bolster security for sensitive sites ahead of the Jewish High Holidays. While specific recipients for this round have not been released due to security concerns, previous recipients of the program include various Chabad institutions across the state.