2026 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program

The 2026 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program, offered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), is designed to support local governments in reducing bias-motivated incidents. The program provides competitive grants to localities that have partnerships with eligible non-profit, 501(c)3 organizations or institutions that have been targets or are at risk of being targets of hate crimes. The goal is to minimize incidents motivated by bias related to race, religion, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin. Eligible applicants for this grant are local governments within the Commonwealth of Virginia that have established partnerships with non-profit organizations or institutions within their jurisdiction. Each locality is allowed to submit one application, which may include multiple partnerships with separate non-profits, organizations, or institutions. Current grantees can apply if they are expanding services to include additional at-risk partners. An information session will be held on June 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. to address questions regarding eligibility and project ideas. Applications must be submitted through the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS) by 5:00 p.m. on July 30, 2025. The system will not accept late applications, so applicants are advised to register for OGMS early to avoid technical difficulties. The total funding available for this program is $5 million, with $3.5 million allocated for FY2025 and $1.5 million for FY2026. Approximately $1.3 million remains available for eligible projects, with a maximum request of $200,000 per locality. There is no match requirement for this grant. The grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with awards being reviewed for final approval in August 2025. Funds can be used for projects related to equipment, contractual security services, training, and part-time personnel for security assessments. However, funds cannot be used for weapons, construction, land acquisition, lobbying, honoraria, food, alcohol, or vehicles. The grant cannot be extended or continued unless additional state funds are provided in subsequent years. Applicants must submit a detailed application including a project narrative, budget, goals and objectives, and personnel information. The application process includes completing a face sheet, budget, project narrative, and other sections as required. Applicants must also provide a sustainment plan for how services will continue after grant funding ends. The application review process involves a compliance review by DCJS staff and recommendations by the Grants Committee of the Criminal Justice Services Board. For questions regarding the application, applicants can contact Beth Polak at elizabeth.polak@dcjs.virginia.gov or (804) 659-6487, and Tracy Matthews at tracy.matthews@dcjs.virginia.gov or (804) 371-0635. Technical assistance for the OGMS system can be obtained by emailing ogmssupport@dcjs.virginia.gov.

Applicants are advised to register for OGMS early to avoid technical difficulties.