The Town of Ajax yesterday announced that the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (2023-24) will open again on December 14.
It pointed out that the provincial grant funding is being expanded to help combat antisemitism and Islamophobia, amidst the background of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant is expanding, with the Ontario government investing an additional $20.5 million prioritizing the Jewish and Muslim communities, to address the recent increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia. This investment will help ensure the safety and security of community spaces for faith-based and cultural organizations, said a town statement.
With this funding added to the grant, the Town of Ajax continues to have its Grants and Partnerships team available to all Ajax’s faith-based and cultural organizations for support and guidance, it added.
“In Ajax, diversity is our strength and one of our top priorities is to help ensure the safety and security of all community spaces, including our many faith-based and cultural organizations,” said Mayor Shaun Collier. “Thank you to the Ontario government for providing additional funding to prioritize Jewish and Muslim communities, to help combat the recent rise in antisemitic, Islamophobic and other acts of hate. This investment will support faith-based and cultural institutions to provide further protection for all, as everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable in a place that they call home.”
Quick Facts
- Grant specialist support is exclusively for faith-based and cultural organizations located in Ajax and serving the Ajax community.
- Organizations can contact the town’s Grants and Partnerships team for assistance at partnerships@ajax.ca.
- This $20.5 million investment builds on the $12.5 million provided to over 1,400 faith-based and cultural organizations through the first round of the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant.
- Previous recipients of the grant are eligible for a top-up payment.
- The application portal opens on December 14, 2023.
- The new dedicated stream of funding will provide up to a maximum of $20,000 per non-profit organization, based on its revenues.
- Organizations that applied for the grant in 2021 – 2022, 2022 – 2023 or 2023 – 2024 can apply again for 2024-2025.
- Eligible organizations can apply to receive a grant from the province to enhance or implement measures to protect and secure their facilities from hate-motivated incidents, graffiti, vandalism and other damages.
- A full list of eligible and ineligible organizations is available here.
That 32.5 million could’ve better served the homeless or anyone needing affordable housing.
What a lovely piece of news! Ajax is taking more action than our federal government right now