Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities have been among the most targeted groups of hate crimes in recent years. There were more than 1,500 police-reported hate crimes in Ontario in 2021.

A new Ontario government Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant will help faith-based and cultural organizations enhance or implement measures to ensure community spaces remain safe and secure.

The grant will provide up to $10,000 to help religious groups, Indigenous communities, and cultural communities better protect and secure their facilities from hate-motivated incidents, graffiti, vandalism, or other damage. Grant funding can be used for things such as building upgrades, enhancing locks, installing cameras, training staff, completing security assessments, introducing safer cybersecurity measures, hiring short-term professional security personnel, and making repairs.

Applications for the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant will open in Summer 2023.

Eligible organizations include:

• Religious and spiritual communities (e.g., mosques, synagogues, temples, churches, etc.)
• First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous organizations
• Cultural groups (e.g., 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups, Black, Asian, and other diverse organizations offering programs, workshops, and ceremonies that promote their communities’ cultures)

source: media release, City of Owen Sound