Ontario Strengthening Supports to Combat Hate and Create Safer Communities
Applications opening soon for Ontario’s Anti-Hate Security Prevention Grant program
The Ontario government is investing $12.75 million this year to help address the rise of hate incidents and keep communities safe across the province. This is part of the government’s $25.5 million investment over two years in the new Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant to help faith-based and cultural organizations implement measures to ensure their community spaces remain safe and secure.
“Everyone in Ontario should be able to practice their faith and express their beliefs, without the fear of experiencing acts of hate, intimidation or violence,” said Graham McGregor, acting Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “We continue to invest in the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant program to support communities in establishing safe and inclusive environments for all Ontarians, regardless of their background, religion or culture.”
The grant provides up to $10,000 to eligible community organizations to help them protect their spaces from hate-motivated incidents, graffiti, vandalism or other damage. Grant funding can be used for measures such as hiring security staff, surveillance cameras, security assessments, cybersecurity and building repairs.
The Anti-Hate Security Prevention Grant application portal opens on October 31, 2024, and closes on December 2, 2024. Previous grant recipients are encouraged to apply again for 2024-25. Organizations can review eligibility and learn more at Ontario.ca/AHSP.
Eligible organizations include:
- Religious and spiritual communities (e.g., mosques, synagogues, temples, churches, etc.)
- First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Indigenous organizations
- Cultural groups (e.g., 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups, Black, Asian and other diverse organizations offering programs, workshops and ceremonies that promote their communities’ cultures)
- A complete list can be found at Ontario.ca/AHSP
Since 2021, the government has invested a total of $86 million to support over 2,000 faith-based and cultural communities.
Quick Facts
- Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities have been among the most targeted groups of hate crimes in recent years. There were more than 2,400 police-reported hate crimes incidents in Ontario in 2023.
- The Ontario government is investing more than $1.5 million through the 2022-2024 Safer and Vital Communities Grant program. This funding will help 17 community-based, not-for-profit organizations and First Nations Chiefs and Band Councils, support projects that prevent online hate crime, human trafficking and fraud.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love