Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (2025-26)

Who is eligible?

• Religious and spiritual organizations and communities (for example, mosques, synagogues, temples, churches)
• Cultural organizations and communities, including 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups and traditional culture programs, workshops and ceremonies
• First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations and communities (such as ceremonial lodges, friendship centres, Indigenous schools and education authorities)
• Faith-based or cultural private educational institutions, including elementary and secondary schools, private postsecondary institutions and career colleges
• Faith-based or cultural service providers, including licensed child care, health care, youth care, social services, housing, long-term care and arts organizations

Who is not eligible

• Sports organizations, sports teams and clubs primarily focused on recreational, athletic, hobby or games-related activities.
• Organizations whose main activity is holding organizational or administrative meetings only (for example, boards of trade or bodies that primarily meet to award cultural grants).
• Publicly funded elementary and secondary schools, as defined under Ontario’s Education Act.
• Public postsecondary institutions, including public universities, public colleges and specified federated or affiliated institutions covered by the Post-Secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000.
• Organizations whose primary purpose is to advance a political cause, or that engage in hateful practices, incite hatred or violence, contravene criminal law, or that are Crown corporations, municipalities, for-profit organizations, libraries or individuals.

Eligible expenses

• Interior and exterior security upgrades carried out by qualified, licensed service providers (for example: reinforced doors and windows, security window film, intercom and public address systems, alarm and lock systems, fences, gates, lighting, cameras and relocation of cameras, motion detectors, signage, fire alarm systems, landscaping that improves security, anti-graffiti sealant and graffiti removal).
• Construction, renovation and installation costs directly tied to security improvements, including contractor fees, labour, equipment rental and renovations to entrances, lobbies or other areas to enhance building security.
• Closed circuit television (CCTV) systems and components, including exterior cameras, digital video recorders, monitors and all associated installation materials and accessories.
• Immediate, short-term security services to prevent or respond to hate‑motivated incidents, such as hiring licensed security guards through a licensed third‑party agency or paid duty police, and urgent repairs or reinforcements to facilities.
• Cybersecurity and technology upgrades that strengthen the organization’s protection and response capacity against hate‑motivated incidents (for example, systems, tools or configurations that improve digital security).
• Professional security assessments and emergency planning services, including consultant reports, advisory fees, and the development of security policies and procedures.
• Education and training for staff, volunteers and community members on preventing and responding to hate‑motivated incidents, including first aid, mental health awareness, de‑escalation, conflict avoidance, violence prevention, Incident Command System courses, legal rights, cybersecurity and hate‑crime awareness provided by qualified training organizations.
• Honoraria for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, up to $250 for a partial day (three hours or less) or $500 for a full day.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations operating in the province of Ontario, Canada.

• The program has a total budget of $12.75 million, and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is fully allocated.
• The grant is discretionary and non-entitlement, meaning that meeting all eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application does not guarantee funding.
• Approved recipients must retain all supporting documents and receipts related to eligibility and expenses for seven years, as applications and grants may be audited.
• Organizations that applied in previous rounds (2021-22, 2022-23, Fall/Winter 2023-24 or 2024-25) may apply again but must verify that they still meet the current eligibility rules.