The Ontario government is expanding its efforts to counter hate-motivated incidents and strengthen security at community spaces across the province, announcing an additional $12.75 million for the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (AHSP). The latest investment, unveiled Wednesday by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, aims to help faith-based, cultural and Indigenous organizations improve safety through measures such as security personnel, surveillance technology and building upgrades.
“Everyone in Ontario deserves to feel safe and respected in the spaces where they gather to express their culture or practice their faith,” said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “With our increased investment in the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, our government is sending a clear message that there is no place for hate in Ontario.”
The AHSP program provides up to $10,000 per organization to implement or enhance security measures designed to prevent or respond to hate-related incidents. Applications for the 2025–26 grant cycle opened this week, and the Ministry is urging eligible groups to apply promptly, as funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Organizations that qualify for the grant span a broad range of communities, including mosques, synagogues, temples and churches; First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations; and cultural groups such as 2SLGBTQQIA+ associations, Black and Asian community organizations, and others. A full eligibility list is published at Ontario.ca/AHSP.
Since the program launched in 2021, the province has invested more than $98 million through the AHSP to support over 3,000 organizations in strengthening their community spaces. The government notes that the new investment reflects growing concerns about rising hate crimes and targeted violence, particularly toward Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.
The announcement drew support from several community leaders who underscored the impact of the grant program.
“Rising acts of antisemitism have regrettably meant increased security costs, but the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant has allowed Jewish childcare centres, schools, and places of worship to keep our communities safe while focusing their funds on programming. We appreciate this increase in funding which will continue to support Jewish Ontarians all across the province,” said Josh Landau, Director, Government Relations, Ontario, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
Representatives from Muslim organizations echoed that sentiment. “The National Council of Canadian Muslims welcomes the Ontario government’s commitment of $12.75 million in 2025–26 to refresh the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant as an important step toward enhancing community safety across the province. Ever since the terror attack near a mosque in London in 2021 that killed 3 generations of a Muslim family, we have called for more measures to protect our community from violent Islamophobia. This grant will continue to assist Muslim Ontarians and other faith-based and cultural organizations in implementing practical measures to help ensure that our community spaces are safe while remaining welcoming for all,” said Zubair Qasim, Vice-President, National Council of Canadian Muslims.
Leaders from Sikh and Hindu communities also highlighted the tangible safety benefits provided by the grant.
“The Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant has provided vital funding for essential security upgrades at Gurdwara’s across the GTA. We thank the Government of Ontario for its ongoing commitment to support our community’s safety,” said Lakhvinder Singh Dhaliwal of the Ontario Gurdwaras Committee.
“Through the Ontario government’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, we’re reinforcing safety and ensuring our community can practice their faith in a peaceful and welcoming environment,” said Udayan Pandya, Director, BAPS Inc., Canada.
Christian organizations shared similar experiences. “We are deeply grateful for the support provided through the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant. These funds allowed us to upgrade and reinforce our entry doors, improving safety and peace of mind for everyone who comes through them,” said the Building and Grounds Committee at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish.
Beyond AHSP, the province has committed additional resources to community safety and violence prevention. The government has allocated more than $2 million through the 2024–2026 Safer and Vital Communities Grant program, supporting 15 community-based, not-for-profit organizations and First Nations Chiefs and Band Councils with projects aimed at preventing hate crimes and strengthening local safety responses.
With hate-motivated incidents rising across Canada in recent years, Ontario officials say the expanded AHSP funding is intended to provide immediate, practical support to the communities most at risk. As applications open, thousands of organizations across the province are expected to seek funding to bolster their security infrastructure and safeguard their members.
The Ministry emphasized that the investment reflects the province’s broader commitment to fostering safe, respectful and inclusive community environments—particularly in spaces central to cultural identity, worship and social connection.