NEW YORK – On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of $ 50 million in requests to strengthen security measures at nonprofit community organizations at risk of hate crime or attack because of their ideology, beliefs or mission.
This funding is the largest amount ever available through the program, according to state officials. Nonprofits that have previously received grants can now apply for new security projects and, for the first time, cybersecurity projects will be considered for funding.
Additionally, Governor Hochul announced $ 46 million federal funding for 240 nonprofit organizations across the state that face a greater risk of terrorist attacks. This key funding will help strengthen your facility’s security and improve overall readiness.
“Hate has no place in New York and we will continue to support the organizations most vulnerable to cruel and violent attacks,” Governor Hochul said. “With this unprecedented new round of funding, these at-risk facilities will be able to fund security precautions, including cybersecurity projects, to protect vulnerable people from those who would target them because of their ideology, belief. or mission “.
Monday’s announcement comes as incidents of hatred and prejudice persist across New York and federal authorities have warned of security threats in neighboring states targeting religious institutions. Hate crimes affect entire communities negatively and disproportionately, not just their intended goals.
Although the number of hate crimes reported to the police in the state represents a small fraction of the total crimes, these incidents traumatize and instill fear in the community at large. New York State tracks these incidents separately from other crimes so that trends can be monitored and steps can be taken to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its nonprofit safety grant program, $ 46 million in federal funding is awarded to New York in two separate allocations: $ 38.8 million for organizations within the area New York City subway and $ 7.2 million for organizations in the rest of the state. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders.
The 240 nonprofits that receive federal funding can use these grants for plans that detail safety risk management, business continuity, and incident response; physical security enhancement equipment and inspection and control systems; active shooter training and safety training for employees, members or the congregation; answer exercises; and hired security personnel.
“This funding and these efforts are positive steps in our fight against hatred and bigotry,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “The Governor and I will do everything in our power to ensure that individuals and organizations within our cities and in our state are protected from hate.”
Created in 2017, the program provides funds to strengthen security measures and prevent hate crimes against nonprofit civic and community centers, cultural museums, day care centers and other nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable due to their ideology, beliefs or mission.
These funds may be used to support exterior or interior security enhancements, including but not limited to lighting, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fences, barriers, access controls, shatterproof glass and blast resistant film, public communications and for the first time in time, measures to strengthen cyber security. The funds can also cover the costs associated with safety training.
Currently, a total of $ 83.1 million has been awarded to more than 600 non-profit organizations to support approximately 1,700 projects.
“We must remain vigilant and committed in our efforts to combat the national and international risks that threaten to disrupt our daily lives, and each of us must work together to ensure public safety in our communities and the programs we create,” said the representative Adriano Espaillat. “I commend Governor Hochul on today’s announcement of the increased amount of state funding designated to help strengthen the security of our nonprofits and community organizations, and I encourage all eligible programs in my district to apply for these funds to improve their security and preparedness in facilities prone to attacks and at risk of hate crime and other potential threats. “
