Hochul announces $16M in grants for organizations at risk of hate crimes

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York is making $16 million available to organizations that are at risk of hate crimes or attacks based on their ideology, beliefs, or missions.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the funding will allow synagogues, churches, religious schools, civic organizations, and other nonprofit organizations to secure their facilities with upgrades including alarms, panic buttons, fences, shatter-resistant glass and public address systems.

A total of 205 organizations received 327 grants, which are available through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program.

The maximum grant was $50,000 each for no more than three facilities, for a maximum award of $150,000.