Protecting Against Hate Crimes (PAHC)

The Protecting Against Hate Crimes (PAHC) Grant Program is administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in the State of Maryland. This initiative provides targeted financial support to nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups, that operate facilities at risk of being targeted for hate crimes. The PAHC program reflects the Moore-Miller Administration’s emphasis on public safety, crime reduction, and victim services through collaborative and coordinated efforts across law enforcement, community organizations, and victim advocacy groups. The funding supports Maryland’s broader criminal justice and victim service strategy, aiming to enhance resilience and preparedness among vulnerable organizations. PAHC is structured to provide security enhancements to facilities that serve protected classes as defined by Maryland law, including individuals distinguished by religion, race, color, sexual orientation, gender, disability, national origin, or homelessness. The program funds security improvements such as surveillance systems, alarm systems, security personnel, reinforced doors and windows, lighting enhancements, and fencing. Additional allowable uses include anti-hate public awareness campaigns, cultural competency training, bystander intervention workshops, emergency preparedness planning, and active threat drills. Applications must demonstrate that requested funds directly address risks of hate crime victimization, and a clear connection must be made between these risks and proposed interventions. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups, that are physically located in Maryland. Proof of tax-exempt status is required, although certain religious institutions may provide alternative verification documents. Organizations with school-based facilities are ineligible for funding to secure those areas but may apply for other eligible campus sections. Each organization may submit a single application, even if funding is being requested for multiple eligible facilities. Applicants must provide recent financial documentation (e.g., Form 990, certified budget) to establish eligibility and determine maximum funding limits, which range from $50,000 to $200,000 based on organizational budget size. All applications must be submitted through the Grants Management System (GMS) by April 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM. New users must request GMS access no later than April 17, 2026. The application process is narrative-driven and requires detailed descriptions of the organization, identified security risks, proposed interventions, data collection plans, and budgets. Submissions must also include documents such as a signed W-9, proof of nonprofit status, organizational chart, and responses to an Organizational Capacity Questionnaire (OCQ). Incomplete applications or those exceeding narrative word limits will not be considered. Training sessions to assist applicants are scheduled for April 8 and April 14, 2026, offering technical guidance on both the GMS system and programmatic requirements. Proposals will be evaluated by internal and/or external review teams using weighted criteria, including the strength of the problem statement, alignment with funding priorities, clarity of project design, sustainability, and budget justification. Organizations applying for PAHC funding for the first time, or those with recent direct threats or incidents of hate crimes, will be prioritized. The award period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis tied to quarterly reporting. The program does not require a cost share or match. The PAHC program is expected to recur annually, with the next projected application cycle likely opening in April 2027. All awardees will be listed on GOCPP’s Interactive Grant Map to enhance transparency and accountability.

Justify hate crime threat with local/state data; adhere to word limits or risk disqualification; include all checklist documents.