Governor Hochul Announces Up to $70 Million Available to Help Protect Community-based Organizations Vulnerable to Hate Crimes and Attacks

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes and attacks can now apply for record-level funding - up to $70 million - through the state's Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program. The FY27 Executive Budget includes $35 million to build upon the $35 million currently available from the FY26 Enacted Budget in response to heightened threats facing organizations vulnerable to hate crimes and terror-driven violence amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"With the conflict we are seeing globally, it is more important than ever to ensure that New York remains a safe haven for all," Governor Hochul said. "This funding reflects our commitment to stand by communities facing threats because of who they are, what they believe or how they live. These investments will help organizations across our state strengthen security, protect the people they serve and continue bringing communities together."

Administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program allows eligible organizations to request a maximum of $250,000 each - the most ever since the program's creation in 2017 - for physical security and cybersecurity projects at their facilities. Available funding supports New York's public safety efforts and the state's longstanding commitment to protecting people of all faiths, backgrounds and identities as tensions abroad continue to reverberate in communities across New York and the nation.

The program is expected to fund up to 280 projects and can be used to support exterior or interior security improvements, including but not limited to lighting, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, barriers, access controls, shatter-resistant glass and blast-resistant film, public address systems, cybersecurity enhancements and impact protection improvements. Funds can also cover costs associated with security training.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "DCJS is proud to help protect the individuals and organizations that make New York diverse, vibrant, and welcoming for all. This critical funding will help at-risk community organizations strengthen their security so they can continue to serve as safe spaces for the people who rely on them."

New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Denise M. Miranda, Esq. said, "Hate has no place in New York State, and the Division of Human Rights remains committed to enforcing the Human Rights Law, holding discriminators accountable and combating prejudice through our Hate and Bias Prevention Unit. Through her FY 27 budget proposal, Governor Hochul is proving yet again that our state will stop at nothing to prevent hate and protect the safety and fundamental rights of all New Yorkers."

New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, "No one should fear for their safety because of who they are, what they believe, or the community they belong to. Governor Hochul's continued investment will help organizations strengthen security and remain safe, welcoming spaces for New Yorkers. The Office of Victim Services is proud to support individuals and communities impacted by hate crimes."

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has delivered record funding for 1,745 security projects totaling more than $131.5 million through the Securing Communities against Hate Crimes Grant program. Police departments and sheriffs' offices reported 696 hate crimes statewide from January through November 2025 - the fewest during that 11-month period from 2021 through 2025, and a 28 percent decline from the high of 977 reported in 2023. Anti-Jewish crimes continued to be the most common bias crime reported statewide, comprising 51 percent of all hate crimes reported. Earlier this month, the New York City Police Department released crime data for the first quarter of 2026, showing confirmed hate crimes increased 11.7 percent compared to 2025. More than half (55%) of all confirmed hate crimes were anti-Jewish, despite Jews only making up approximately 10 percent of the city's population.

To further protect community centers and cultural institutions vulnerable to threats and violence and ensure that New Yorkers can exercise their right to worship in a manner that is safe and free from harassment, Governor Hochul proposed legislation to criminalize demonstrating within 25 feet of a house of worship with the intent to harass worshipers. These buffer zones will protect individuals from harassment and obstruction while preserving the right to lawful expression, reflecting New York's commitment to safeguarding public safety, religious freedom while upholding constitutional values.

This proposal and Governor Hochul's record investments in Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes builds on her efforts to enhance public safety, prevent hate and bias crimes and prevent terrorism. These efforts include:

• Launching a hotline (844-NO-2-HATE) and online form to report hate and biasincidents.
• Creating a Hate and Bias Prevention Unit to oversee incident response efforts and establish anti-bias councils across the state.
• Convening a Unity Summit that brought together 500 representatives from community organizations, law enforcement and faith groups.
• Deploying additional staff and funding to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.
• Addressing online hate by calling on social media companies to strengthen moderation policies and increasing State Police monitoring capabilities.
• Expanding the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Threat Assessment and Management teams to every county and college campus statewide.

"These investments will help organizations across our state strengthen security, protect the people they serve and continue bringing communities together."

Rensselaer County District Attorney and District Attorneys Association of the State of New York President Mary Pat Donnelly said, "New Yorkers cannot tolerate hate crimes. Enhanced funding for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program will help protect vulnerable hate crime targets, including churches, synagogues, mosques and other community institutions all over New York State. Now, more than ever, resources are needed for increased and improved security as well as for additional security training. New York State's residents and visitors of all faiths and backgrounds deserve to feel safe and this funding is critical to ensuring public safety and protecting our residents and their families who are exercising their right to worship."

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, "Governor Kathy Hochul has maintained a keen focus on meeting the safety needs of New York's many communities. As District Attorney of the nation's most diverse county, my mission is to protect every member of our community - both by preventing harm and ensuring accountability. At a time of an alarming rise in hate crimes, particularly anti-Jewish incidents, this is a challenge that demands urgent action from all sides. Modern security tools can mean the difference between an unsolved case and a successful prosecution. By investing in safety now, we send a clear message: we stand with every community affected by hate, and we will not allow fear to take hold."

Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said, "Amid heightened threats and rising acts of hate both here at home and abroad, protecting Staten Island's houses of worship, religious schools, public spaces and other at-risk sites has never been more important. The Securing Communities Against Hate Grant Program has been instrumental in strengthening safety and security measures for local community organizations and now, thanks to Governor Hochul's leadership, over $70 million dollars is available to help prevent hate crimes and protect New York's State's nonprofit community and civic centers, cultural museums, day care centers, and other nonprofit organizations. And while my office will continue to prosecute those who commit hate crimes on our shores to the fullest extent of the law, we thank Governor Hochul for investing in the safety and security of the very same organizations who help bring Staten Island's diverse communities together."

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities - no matter their religion, race, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. I'm deeply appreciative to Governor Hochul for her landmark $70 million commitment to protect community nonprofits most at risk of hate crimes, including through funding critical physical and cyber security programs. Together, we will combat the scourge of hate affecting our city and ensure New York remains a safe home for all."

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said, "At a time of rising hate and global tensions, this record investment is both necessary and timely. Community and cultural institutions are the backbone of our neighborhoods, and New Yorkers deserve to gather, worship and learn without fear. The Council has made combating hate a core priority through our recently passed legislative package that strengthens protections around houses of worship and schools, and I thank Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in the safety of communities most at risk."

New York City Councilmember Eric Dinowitz said, "I commend Governor Hochul for this monumental investment in the communities most vulnerable to acts of hate. With grants up to $250,000 available for security cameras, lighting and training, we are ensuring that every house of worship and daycare in New York City is a safe haven."

New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam said, "As Chair of the Committee to Combat Hate, I commend Governor Hochul's record $70 million commitment to protecting the nonprofits, houses of worship and cultural institutions at the heart of our communities. No New Yorker should have to fear violence for who they are or what they believe. I urge every eligible organization in District 9 to apply before the July 8 deadline."

CEO of Teach Coalition Sydney Altfield said, "We are grateful to Governor Hochul for releasing $70 million through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program. Her continued yearly investment in protecting vulnerable communities, especially at a time of rising antisemitism and faith-based hate, reflects the urgency of this moment and the need for sustained action. This funding will play a critical role in helping ensure that children, families, and the schools, houses of worship and community institutions they depend on remain safe."

UJA Federation of New York CEO Eric S. Goldstein said, "At a time of sharply rising antisemitism, we are deeply grateful for Governor Hochul's leadership and commitment to protecting the Jewish community. Governor Hochul's funding for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program reflects her strong resolve to combat hate and ensure public safety."

American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch said, "At a moment when Jewish communities are facing ongoing and disproportionate threats, Governor Hochul's leadership in prioritizing $70 million to strengthen the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program is vital. We are grateful for the Governor's continued focus on protecting vulnerable communities and addressing antisemitism head-on."

Council of Peoples Organization (COPO) CEO Mohammad Razvi said, " At a time when many communities feel vulnerable, it is essential that people of all faiths can live and worship without fear. These investments are needed to strengthen security and protect those most at risk. We are proud to stand with Governor Hochul to ensure every New Yorker feels safe and respected."

Agudath Israel of America, Director of New York Government Affairs, Rabbi Yeruchim Silber said, "With antisemitism and other forms of hate increasing exponentially, vulnerable communities are feeling ever more at risk. We thank Governor Hochul for delivering this crucial funding that will serve to protect our most at risk institutions."

JCRC-NY, CEO, Mark Treyger said, "The rise in antisemitic attacks against Jewish New Yorkers, after another year in which more than half of reported hate crimes in the city targeted Jews, cannot be ignored. The Governor's $70 million investment in the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program underscores her unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable New Yorkers and combating antisemitism. JCRC-NY is grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership, and stands ready to work with government partners to help build a safer, more inclusive New York for all."

Bishop Matthew Heyd said, "Thanks to Governor Hochul for her commitment to keep all New Yorkers safe. In a time of rising global tensions, everyone must be able to enter their house of worship without fear of injury, intimidation, or blocked access."

New nonprofit organizations and those that previously have received funding through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program are eligible to apply for this round of funding. Eligible organizations include community and civic centers, cultural museums, daycare centers and other nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attack because of their ideology, beliefs or mission, applicants must provide vulnerability assessments that show they are at risk and how the proposed security project will help safeguard their facility or facilities and protect the people who use them.

The deadline for applications is noon Wednesday, July 8. Information about funding eligibility requirements, instructions and guidelines is available on the DCJS website. Grant awards are expected to be announced in the fall.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state's criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The Division of Human Rights is the state agency that enforces the New York State Human Rights Law, the country's oldest state-level anti-discrimination law, and one of the most comprehensive sets of civil and human rights protections in the nation.

Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination can report it to the Division by calling (844) 697-3471 or visiting dhr.ny.gov. The Division also offers resources and services for individuals and communities impacted by hate and bias. Learn more atdhr.ny.gov/nohate. Follow the Division of Human Rights on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, X and YouTube.

Additionally, the New York State Office of Victim Services funds more than 200 programs across the State that provide services, support and assistance to victims of crime, including hate crimes. The agency also can provide eligible individuals with financial assistance for expenses resulting from being the victim of hate or other crimes. Visit ovs.ny.gov/connect to locate a program and follow the agency on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Contact the Governor's Press Office