Dear NYS Principals and Administrators,
We are happy to share that yesterday, Agudath Israel representatives Rabbi Yeruchim Silber and Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus joined Governor Kathy Hochul as she announced that the NY State Division of Homeland Security (DHS) is releasing $43 million to yeshivas and other eligible applicants who have been awarded grants under prior year Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Programs (SCAHC). This program helps nonprofits boost security infrastructure and enhance preparedness against potential hate crime attacks.
Awardees will be notified directly by the DHS. If you applied and did not receive a grant award notification email, contact DHSES directly at 1-866-837-9133 or e-mail them at [email protected].
Governor Hochul also announced the availability of an additional $25 million to help nonprofit organizations improve the security of their facilities to better protect those at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
Please note:
- The new allocation will be available to those organizations that have not previously received state funding for this purpose. However, nonprofit organizations that previously received grants may apply for a new grant to bolster security at different facilities.
- We expect the Request of Application (RFA) for the new grant to be released this fall by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
- This grant provides up to $50,000 in funding for security, training, cameras, technology, door hardening, improved lighting and other related security expenses at eligible facilities, including internal security measures. Each eligible organization may submit up to three applications for a maximum of $150,000.
- NYS only accepts applications for grants once the applicant is prequalified in the Grants Gateway. If you are planning on applying for this grant and you are not yet prequalified, you should begin the prequalification process now by clicking here.
Schools located in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester that wish to apply for this grant may qualify for a free security assessment though the JCRC. You can fill out an assessment request here.
Agudath Israel has made the security of our yeshivas and our children a priority. We are grateful to the Governor that many more yeshivas across the state will now be able to implement the security measures they so desperately need, especially during these challenging times.
As always, feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
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Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus
Director of Yeshiva Services
Ami Bazov, Esq.
Coordinator of Education Affairs
Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel.