$50 million In State Funding Aims To Improve Non-profit Safety

NEW YORK, NY (WENY) – Governor Kathy Hochul announced that nonprofits and community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks can strengthen safety and security measures through newly made available state funding. At $50 million, the new funding represents the largest amount dedicated by the state ever for this purpose and for the first-time ever, cyber security projects will be considered.

“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 in a prepared statement.

According to the Governor’s Office 1000 projects across the state will receive funding administered through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and projects will be capped at $50,000. However individual groups can apply for up to three projects for a total of $150,000.

“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,” Hochul said.

Along with the state funding Hochul announced $46 million in federal funding for 240 nonprofit organizations across the state that face an increased risk of terrorist attack. This funding is earmarked to assist in strengthening the security of facilities and enhance overall preparedness. Provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Nonprofit Security Grant Program, of the $46 million in federal funds $38.8 million is for organizations within the New York City Metro Area and $7.2 million for the rest of the State.

“Governor Hochul’s top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, and these funds will help protect our nonprofit institutions from those driven by hateful extremism. We look forward to continuing to work with our nonprofit partners to ensure New York remains a safe place to provide services and conduct business,” said New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray.