FY2027 Hate Crimes Grant
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FY2027 HCG Grant application period is now closed!
About the Hate Crimes Grant
The Hate Crimes Grant (HCG) is a competitive, state-funded reimbursement grant awarded to eligible local school systems, non-public schools, private schools, and childcare centers determined to be at risk of hate crime incidents.
Application Information
The Notification of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the competitive FY 2027 Hate Crimes Grant (HCG) from the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) has been published. MCSS will begin accepting applications on June 15, 2026. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 17, 2026.
Categories Funded
- Additional security training
- Security personnel
- Security cameras
- Security-related technology
- Door hardening
- Improved lighting
- Other security-related facility upgrades
Eligible Applicants
- Local Public School Systems
- Non-public and Private Schools
- Childcare Centers
FY2027 HCG Post-Award Documents -- Coming Soon
For questions contact or send an email to [email protected].
For general Grant FAQ visit the main Grants Page.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Hate Crimes Grant
Yes, however, request for reimbursement may only be requested for costs incurred during instructional hours, Monday through Friday. Weekend costs will not be reimbursed under the MCSS Hate Crimes Grant.
The school may submit a request for reimbursement on a quarterly basis if the project is fully completed and paid for.
Yes, all exercises under this category must be completed by a professional and must follow the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program guidelines.
If the school identifies another security project that is determined to be priority over an approved project or a modification is required for an approved project; what is the process to request funding realignment and what is the timeline to submit?
Any requests for grant realignment or modifications of any kind to any portion of the award that exceeds $1,000.00 must be submitted in writing prior to occurrence using the MCSS template found on the MCSS website. Realignment requests must be submitted within 45 days of the grant performance end date.
To receive reimbursement, grantees must fill out the MCSS Invoice template and submit documentation verifying the completion of the approved project. Required materials include vendor invoices, proof of payment, contractual agreements, if applicable, and before-and-after project photographs, if applicable.
To remain eligible for reimbursement, you must submit all post-award reports on time. If a grant award is deemed non-compliant due to missing reports, MCSS will be unable to process any reimbursement requests.
In accordance with the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) guidelines, we are limited to accepting only one application per location. We ask that both organizations coordinate to designate a single application for consideration, as we are unable to process multiple submissions from the same address. Applications received from different schools with the same address will not be considered for an award.
Supplanting means ‘to replace’ and refers to the use of grant funds to replace State, federal, or local funds that were previously appropriated, budgeted for, or otherwise intended for the specific purpose of the subaward. Supplementing means to ‘add to’ and involves using grant funding to boost Federal, State or local resources already available for a project.