Funds earmarked for New York nonprofit safety initiatives

New York state officials are detailing an allocation of $96 million to aid nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks in bolstering safety and security measures.

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently detailed the opening of applications for $50 million earmarked for organizations facing the potential for risk because of ideology, beliefs, or mission, noting the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)-administered Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program is seeking proposals to support approximately 1,000 projects statewide.

The allotment can be used to support exterior or interior security improvements that include lighting, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, barriers, access controls, shatter-resistant glass, and blast-resistant film, among other protection provisions.

Additionally, Hochul said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its Nonprofit Security Grant Program, has allocated $46 million in federal funds through two separate awards – $38.8 million for organizations within the New York City Metro Area and $7.2 million for organizations throughout the rest of the state.

The funds are slated to be used for protective measures that include active shooter training and security training for employees and members of the congregation; response exercises; contracted security personnel; and plans detailing security risk management.

“Hate has no place in New York, and we will continue to support organizations that are most vulnerable to vicious and violent attacks,” Hochul said. “With this new round of unprecedented funding, these at-risk facilities will be able to fund safety precautions, including cybersecurity projects, to protect vulnerable people from those who would lash out against them due to their ideology, belief or mission.”