Hate has no place in our communities. Yet in recent years, Ontario has experienced a troubling rise in hate-motivated incidents targeting religious, cultural, and minority groups. Police-reported hate crimes have surged – in 2023 alone, over 2,400 hate-related incidents were recorded across Ontario. In response, the Ontario government launched the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (2024–2025) – a critical initiative to combat hate and build safer, more inclusive communities. This grant program is part of a $25.5 million investment over two years aimed at protecting vulnerable community spaces from acts of hate.
For faith-based institutions, cultural centers, Indigenous communities, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations, this grant represents a lifeline – providing much-needed funding to bolster security and ensure that everyone can gather without fear. In this blog post, we’ll break down the purpose and eligibility of the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, the security improvements it covers, and why Force Security is the trusted partner to help implement these upgrades quickly, professionally, and within the grant guidelines. By the end, you’ll know how to take advantage of this program and secure your community space.
Combating Hate: Why Ontario’s Anti-Hate Security Grant Matters
The Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant was created as a direct response to the alarming increase in hate-motivated crimes and incidents. Hate-motivated vandalism and threats have become increasingly common, underscoring the urgent need for better security measures. No one should have to fear being targeted because of their background or beliefs, and this grant is one way the province is helping make that principle a reality. By funding security upgrades for at-risk community organizations, the program deters would-be hate-motivated offenders and sends a strong message that Ontario stands for inclusive, welcoming communities where diversity is protected, not threatened.
This initiative is backed by significant resources. The provincial government has committed $25.5 million over two years to the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant. Eligible organizations can receive one-time grants of up to $10,000 to fortify their facilities. These grants help cover the high costs of security improvements that many non-profits could not otherwise afford. The ultimate goal is to promote community safety in Ontario by ensuring that places of worship, cultural centers, and community hubs have the tools and infrastructure needed to prevent hate-motivated damage and allow people to gather with peace of mind.
Who Is Eligible? Faith-Based, Cultural, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations
One of the strengths of the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant is its broad eligibility, aimed at reaching the communities most at risk of hate incidents. The program specifically targets non-profit organizations in Ontario that serve faith-based, cultural, Indigenous, or 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. Here’s a breakdown of the types of organizations that qualify:
Faith-Based Organizations: Religious and spiritual communities such as churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship are eligible. Faith-based institutions that hold regular worship services or religious gatherings can qualify for this security funding for religious organizations in Ontario.
Cultural Community Groups: Organizations that represent or serve cultural and ethnic communities are included. This ranges from multicultural community centers to groups focused on specific ethnicities (for example, Black, Asian, or Middle Eastern community organizations). Importantly, 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual communities) are explicitly eligible under the “cultural groups” umbrella.
Indigenous Organizations: First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous organizations qualify for the grant as well. This can include Indigenous cultural centers, Friendship Centers, or any non-profit group led by or serving Indigenous peoples and holding gatherings of cultural or spiritual significance.
If your Ontario organization fits one of the above descriptions and operates a community space, chances are you meet the criteria. This grant is designed to help such organizations bolster their security so they can continue their activities safely.
Security Upgrades Covered by the Grant
What kinds of safety enhancements can organizations implement with this grant? The Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant covers a comprehensive range of security improvements – essentially all the measures that can help “harden” a facility against hate-motivated vandalism or violence. According to the program guidelines, recipients can use the funding for measures such as:
Building Upgrades: Physical improvements to your facility’s structure can make it more secure. For example, reinforcing doors and windows with shatter-resistant glass or security film, adding fencing or gates, improving outdoor lighting, and installing alarm or intercom systems all help harden the building.
Stronger Locks and Access Controls: Upgrading locks and entry systems helps prevent unauthorized entry. Replacing old locks with heavy-duty deadbolts or installing electronic keycard/fob access ensures that only authorized individuals can enter your facility’s doors.
Surveillance Cameras: Installing or upgrading CCTV security cameras (indoors and outdoors) is another key measure. Visible cameras act as a deterrent and provide video evidence if an incident occurs. Make sure to cover important areas like entrances, parking lots, and the building perimeter.
Staff and Volunteer Training: The grant can also fund security training for your staff and volunteers. A well-trained team knows how to spot and respond to potential threats or emergencies, which is an invaluable complement to physical security measures.
Security Assessments: You can hire security professionals to conduct a thorough assessment of your facility. This expert audit will identify any weak points – such as blind spots or lax procedures – and recommend targeted improvements, giving you a clear roadmap to strengthen your security.
Cybersecurity Enhancements: The grant covers digital security upgrades as well. This can include improving firewalls and anti-virus software, securing your Wi-Fi network, and protecting sensitive data, ensuring your community is safe from online hate or hacking attempts.
Professional Security Personnel: Funds may be used to hire short-term professional security staff. For example, you might bring in security guards or off-duty police officers during high-risk events or important gatherings, adding an on-site layer of protection and peace of mind.
Repairs and Restorations: Grant money can also pay for repairs and renovations that improve security. If your building was vandalized or damaged by a hate incident, you can fix broken windows, remove or repaint over graffiti, and reinforce structures – restoring your space and making it more resilient against future threats.
Together, these security upgrades provide a multi-layered defense against hate-motivated acts. From modern surveillance systems keeping watch, to strong locks and reinforced entry points, to educated staff ready to respond, each enhancement funded by the grant makes your community space more secure. By covering both technology and training, the Anti-Hate Security Grant empowers organizations to take a proactive stance on safety. The result is not just better protection of property, but also greater peace of mind for community members and a tangible deterrent to those who might seek to harm or intimidate others.
Force Security: Your Partner in Grant-Funded Safety Improvements
Securing the grant is only the first step – the next is implementing the upgrades effectively. This is where Force Security can make all the difference. As a locally owned company with over 35 years of experience serving Ontario, we have the expertise to execute your security improvements quickly and professionally, all within the grant’s guidelines.
Comprehensive Expertise & Experience: Force Security provides end-to-end security solutions across all areas funded by the grant. We install and service alarm systems, access control systems, surveillance cameras, and high-security locks. With decades of experience securing community spaces, we tailor our approach to your needs and work with minimal disruption.
Security Audits and Planning: We can perform a detailed security audit of your premises (a service covered by the grant) to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize upgrades. We’ll walk through your site, point out areas of concern, and develop a cost-effective plan to address them, so you get the most impact from your grant budget.
Grant Compliance and Efficiency: We know the grant’s guidelines inside and out and will ensure that every product or service we provide qualifies under the program. Our team can assist with required paperwork for the grant, and we coordinate our work to meet all funding deadlines. With Force Security managing the project, you won’t have to worry about compliance or scheduling issues – the job will be done on time and on budget.
Reliable, Professional Service: Force Security is fully insured and bonded, and our technicians are licensed professionals. You can trust that every upgrade will be installed correctly and safely, and we provide ongoing support to keep your security systems running smoothly. Our reputation across Ontario is built on prompt, honest service.
By choosing Force Security, you’re engaging a provider that is passionate about community safety. We will guide you through the entire process of upgrading your security under the grant – from the initial assessment and quote to the final installation and training. We handle the heavy lifting so that you can focus on your community work, knowing that the safety aspect is in expert hands.
Ready to Secure Your Community? Take the Next Step
Rising hate incidents are a serious concern, but with the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant and a reliable security partner, your organization can take proactive steps to guard against them. This grant is a golden opportunity to obtain funding for non-profit security upgrades that will have a lasting impact on your community’s safety.
If you think your organization might be eligible (or you’ve already secured the grant funding), now is the time to plan your security improvements. We encourage you to reach out to Force Security for a no-obligation consultation. Our team can visit your site, discuss your needs, and design a security solution that fits your goals and aligns with the grant’s guidelines.
Contact Force Security through Force.ca to schedule a security walkthrough or book a consultation call with our team.
Your community deserves to feel safe and welcome. By leveraging the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant and partnering with Force Security, you can ensure your space remains a sanctuary for all. Secure your space, empower your community, and help build a safer, more inclusive Ontario for everyone.
