Gov. Wes Moore has committed $10 million in his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal to a Maryland grant program funding security improvements to protect nonprofit and faith-based organizations against hate crimes.
Funding for the Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program was doubled from $5 million to $10 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and Moore is proposing to maintain that $10-million funding level in Fiscal Year 2027.
“Public safety is my number one priority as governor,” Moore said in a statement. “Our administration’s commitment to ensuring that everyone feels safe where they live, work, and worship is unwavering. By maintaining this historic investment, we are sending a clear message: Hate will have no oxygen in Maryland. We will continue our work in partnership to make sure our faith-based and community organizations are safe havens for all Marylanders.”
Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller, who chairs the Governor’s Interfaith Council, said faith-based organizations provide “incredible value … to the fabric of Maryland.”
“These are essential institutions that enrich our state, and it is paramount that we invest in their safety and security,” Miller said in a statement. “This commitment ensures that communities across Maryland can continue to gather without fear, and reaffirms our administration’s stand against violence and hate.”
The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy has provided grants to 183 Maryland organizations to fund security personnel, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, reinforced doors and windows, anti-hate public awareness campaigns, cultural competency workshops, bystander intervention training, response plans, active threat drills, and other security needs.
Awardees have included organizations such as the Pride Center of Maryland, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, and the Islamic Society of Baltimore, among others.
“The Pride Center of Maryland is deeply grateful for this support and for Governor Wes Moore’s advocacy and investment in turning back the tide of harm aimed at LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) communities—especially in the wake of recent attacks and the steep resource reductions that targets the LGBTQ/SGL communities,” said Tramour Wilson, Chief Director of Special Projects at the Pride Center of Maryland, in a statement. “The Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant has allowed PCOM to strengthen our cultural-competency workshops, equipping community members, staff, and partners with practical tools to deliver inclusive, culturally grounded, affirming services that make a real difference in people’s lives. We’re proud to continue expanding this work across Maryland in partnership with Governor Moore.”
“The JCRC of Greater Washington is grateful to Governor Wes Moore and his administration for their extraordinary friendship with Maryland’s Jewish community and the continued commitment to funding for protection against hate crimes,” said Ron Halber, Chief Executive Officer for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, in a statement. The governor has been a champion of Jewish values and priorities. He has offered unwavering support for Israel’s need to defend itself, denounced antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, expanded the social safety net, and worked to make Maryland a compassionate and caring community for all citizens.”
“The Islamic Society of Baltimore is deeply grateful to the Governor and this administration for maintaining funding for the Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program in FY2027,” Islamic Society of Baltimore President Hasan Hammad said in a statement. “This commitment sends a clear message that Maryland stands firmly against hate and is dedicated to protecting houses of worship and community institutions of all backgrounds. These resources help keep our congregants safe so we can focus on worship, service, and building bridges with our neighbors.”
