Ontario Increasing Funding to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Increased anti-hate grant will help keep Muslim and Jewish communities safe
The Ontario government is investing an additional $20.5 million this year, to help address the rise of hate incidents against religious and minority groups, particularly amid the recent spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The new funding, prioritizing Jewish and Muslim communities, will expand the province’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, helping faith-based and cultural organizations implement measures to ensure community spaces remain safe and secure.
The funding will provide community facilities, including synagogues, mosques, community hubs and Jewish and Muslim schools and childcare centres, with up to $20,000 to help better 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.
This $20.5 million investment builds on the $12.5 million provided to over 1,400 faith-based and cultural organizations through the first round of the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant. Previous recipients of the grant are eligible for a top-up payment. The application portal opens on December 14, 2023.
Read more: Ontario Increasing Funding to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia | Ontario Newsroom