A Chinese bible group, Boston-area Islamic society, Sikh group and several Jewish organizations were among the dozens of nonprofits given a total of $5 million in funds earlier this month by the state to boost security amid increased fears of hate crimes.
The grants are supposed to support more than 100 nonprofit organizations identified as being “at high risk of hate crimes or terror attacks” so that they can enhance their security, according to a statement from the administration of Gov. Maura Healey. The administration says the funding is part of larger investment in security improvements for nonprofits that totaled $16.4 million in 2024.
Among those receiving the funds are the Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston in Lexington that is getting nearly $52,000; the Islamic Society of Boston and the Islamic Society of South Shore in Brockton, which are each getting $75,000; the New England Hindu Temple in Ashland, which is getting nearly $64,000; the Radha Krishna Mandir in Northborough, which is getting $75,000; and the Sikh Sangat Society Boston, which is also getting $75,000. Many other Jewish organizations and other groups are receiving funding as well.
These grants will help ensure the nonprofits can acquire needed resources to protect their organizations, according to Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
The funds come from two state sources. The state Office of Grants and Research awarded more than $4.4 million to 82 groups in the state for its fiscal 2025 Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Program. The other half million in funds was awarded to 20 nonprofits through the fiscal 2025 Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program. The latter program funds “high risk” organizations with the cost of contracted security personnel.
In addition, the groups will also get technical, grant management and reporting assistance from program coordinators assigned to Office of Grants and Research’s Homeland Security Division.
The governor’s office says the state saw 557 alleged hate crimes reported to police in 2023.
– Adam Smith
