Grant Funding Application Period Now Open for New Yorkers to Develop Creative, Community-Based Projects That Combat Hate and Promote Respect for All

NEW YORK—The New York City Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) and the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) have opened enrollment for the 2025 Community Project Grants to Prevent and Address Bias and Hate. Individuals, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other entities within the five boroughs can apply for grants of up to $10,000. These grants support creative, local projects designed to prevent hate violence and promote community cohesion through pathways outside of law enforcement and the criminal legal system. Eligible projects include community workshops, educational videos, local events, conferences, social media campaigns, and more.

“Hate is a virus, fueled by the failure to see our common bonds,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “If we are going to defeat hate, we must come together and learn from each other. We know that New York City is the greatest city in the world because of our extensive diversity. These project grants seek to unite New Yorkers, regardless of their background; build deeper understanding; and aid in ending bias, hate, and discrimination — all which build upon important initiatives such as our ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ and ‘Teaching About Hate Crimes and their Impacts’ programs. No matter where we are from, who we love, what religion we worship, or what language we speak, we are all bound together by one thing: We are all New Yorkers, and together we can work together to create a safer, more accepting New York.”

The Community Project Grants are part of OPHC’s flagship initiative, Partners Against the Hate (P.A.T.H.) FORWARD, a citywide effort to combat bias-motivated incidents and hate crimes. By partnering with agencies like CCHR and organizations across the hate-prevention landscape, OPHC aims to inspire and support approaches that cultivate positive relationships among New Yorkers. These grants are offered to increase community-led responses to hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents; empower vulnerable New Yorkers to improve incident reporting; build community cohesion; and develop educational programs that increase cultural competence, awareness, and respect for all.

OPHC and CCHR will accept applications from New Yorkers aged 14 and older for proposals on local projects on a rolling basis between January 31, 2025, and February 21, 2025. All logistical details about the grants, including eligibility requirements, funding criteria, and the application link, are available at nyc.gov/communityprojectgrants.

“Community projects foster collaboration to address the root causes of hate and bias. Community-based funding empowers New Yorkers to design and build the thriving neighborhoods we all want to call home. We are proud to support ongoing investments in holistic local efforts that are vital for public safety,” said Deanna Logan, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.

“The Community Project Grants help build bonds among New Yorkers by highlighting shared experiences and collective goals for reducing hate violence in their neighborhoods,” said Vijah Ramjattan, Executive Director of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. “By funding innovative, community-led initiatives that reflect the city’s diverse and evolving cultural landscape, we are supporting grassroots solutions to enhance cross-cultural understanding and foster unity.”

“Investing in community-led projects is essential to fighting hate and bias in our city,” said Annabel Palma, Commissioner and Chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. “These grants empower New Yorkers to take action, fostering solutions that are rooted in their communities and promoting respect and understanding. By supporting these initiatives, we are reinforcing our commitment to a more inclusive and united New York City.”

About OPHC

Part of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ), OPHC takes a holistic approach to preventing hate crimes. By developing and coordinating community-driven prevention strategies that address underlying biases, OPHC aims to prevent these crimes and support healing and resilience among victims and their communities.

About CCHR

CCHR works to prevent discrimination and enforces the New York City Human Rights Law — one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation. The Law includes 27 protected classes in housing, employment, and public accommodations. If you have witnessed or experienced discrimination, contact the Commission at 212-416-0197 or https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page.