The Ontario government is offering grant funding to help faith-based and cultural organizations address hate-motivated incidents.
The province’s new Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant will begin accepting applications on October 31 to provide up to $10,000 to eligible community organizations.
The grants can be used to protect spaces from hate-motivated incidents such as graffiti, vandalism or other damage. This includes the hiring of security staff, installing surveillance cameras, security assessments, as well as cybersecurity and building repairs.
Eligible organizations include religious and spiritual communities, First Nations and Indigenous organizations, and cultural groups such as 2SLGBTQQIA+, Black, Asian and other diverse organizations offering programs, workshops and ceremonies that promote their communities’ cultures.
The grant funding is part of a $12.75 million provincial investment to help address the rise of hate incidents and keep Ontario communities safe.
According to the Ontario government, there were more than 2,400 police-reported hate crime incidents in Ontario in 2023.
Grant applications will remain open until December 2. For more information on the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, including how to apply, click here.