With hate-motivated crime on the rise across the province, the Ontario government has created a new grant program to support community-based organizations.
The province is investing more than $1.7 million over two years through the Safer and Vital Communities Grant program, which is open to community-based, not-for-profit organizations and First Nation Band Councils.
The program will focus on cultural, ethnic and faith-based hate in communities that have experienced an increase in hate-motivated crime.
“Acts that incite hatred, fear and intimidation have no place in our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in a news release. “That is why our government is making additional investments to help combat the rise in hate crime and support community-based organizations that are working to address the root causes of hate in all its forms.”
Successful grant applicants will receive up to $85,000 and will be required to partner with their local police service and other organizations to ensure a broad range of community engagement.
According to the government, there were 1,721 incidents of police-reported hate crimes in 2022, which is nearly 20 per cent higher than in 2021.
The deadline to apply for grant funding is February 26.