Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (2026-27) 

Program Inquiries

What is the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (AHSP)?

The Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (2026-27) is a grant program that provides funding to eligible faith-based, cultural, 2SLGBTQQIA+, First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations and communities to help enhance or implement measures that ensure community spaces remain safe and secure from hate-motivated incidents.

What funding streams are available?

The AHSP 2026-27 grant includes two funding streams:

Stream 1: Security and Infrastructure Provides one-time funding to support eligible safety, security, and capacity-building measures that help protect organizations against hate-motivated incidents.

Stream 2: Special Projects Provides one-time funding of $100,000 for community-based anti-hate projects focused on prevention, education, community safety and well-being.

Can I apply for both Stream 1 and Stream 2?

Yes. Applicants may apply for Stream 1, Stream 2, or both streams.

Do I need to submit separate applications for Stream 1 and Stream 2? 

There is one application, but there are different sections for each stream. If your organization is interested in applying for both Stream 1 and Stream 2 funding, two separate sections of the AHSP 2026-27 application must be completed.

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by November 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be one of the following:

• A registered charity
• A not-for-profit corporation without share capital
• A First Nations band council
• A First Nations tribal council
• A First Nations education authority

Certain faith-based or cultural private elementary and secondary schools are also eligible.

Applicants must also meet all other program eligibility requirements outlined in the User Guide.

Is there an information session happening for the program? 

Yes. Join a free online information session on October 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (1 hour) on Microsoft Teams. No registration required.

Do organizations need to be located in Ontario?

Yes. Applicants must be operational in Ontario on October 15, 2026, and use a non-residential indoor or outdoor facility in Ontario and must host, as a primary activity, regular gatherings of religious, spiritual or cultural significance.

What types of organizations are eligible?

Types of eligible organizations include:

• Religious and spiritual organizations and communities (e.g., mosques, synagogues, temples, churches, etc.)
• Cultural organizations and communities (e.g., 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups, traditional culture programs, workshops and ceremonies, etc.)
• First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations and communities (e.g., ceremonial lodges, friendship centres, private Indigenous postsecondary institutions, First Nations band councils, First Nations tribal councils, First Nations education authorities, First Nations schools including First Nations language immersion schools, etc.)
• Faith-based private elementary and secondary schools.
  • Must operate full year (September to June) or all year (September to August) – weekend-only schools are not eligible.
• Cultural private elementary and secondary schools. 

• Must operate full year (September to June) or all year (September to August) – weekend-only schools are not eligible.

• Faith-based private postsecondary institutions and faith-based career colleges.
• Cultural private postsecondary institutions and cultural career colleges.  
• Faith-based or cultural organizations, outside of private schools, private postsecondary institutions and career colleges, whose primary activity is providing children’s and youth programming or services.
• Licensed faith-based or cultural childcare programs (e.g., child care centres, home child care agencies). 
• Faith-based or cultural health care providers and services (e.g., community-based services, wellness clinics, hospices).
• Faith-based or cultural youth care providers (e.g., group homes). 
• Faith-based or cultural social services providers (e.g., services for the homeless, victim services providers, group homes or other congregate care settings, community service providers, food banks). 
• Faith-based or cultural housing providers (e.g., affordable housing). 
• Regulated and licensed faith-based or cultural long-term care providers.
• Faith-based or cultural organizations whose primary activity is the arts (e.g., theatre, dance, music, literary, media, visual, digital, multi- and interdisciplinary). 

Organizations not included in the Eligible Organizations or Ineligible Organizations list but otherwise feel they meet program eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit a completed application for the Ministry’s consideration.  

What organizations are not eligible?

Organizations that are not eligible for the grant include:

• Not-for-profit Jewish summer camps funded under the Jewish Summer Camp stream (2026-27) will be ineligible for Stream 1: Security and Infrastructure but can submit an application for the Ministry’s consideration under Stream 2: Special Projects.  
• Sports organizations, sports teams and recreational, athletic, hobbies or games-oriented clubs
• Organizations whose primary activity is organizational or administrative meetings (e.g., regular meetings to award cultural grants, meetings of business organizations like a Board of Trade).
• Publicly funded elementary and secondary schools (i.e., “school” within the meaning of the Education Act).
• Public institutions within the meaning of the Post-Secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000 (and specifically Ontario Regulation 279/02) including public universities, public colleges, and specified federated and affiliated institutions associated with publicly assisted universities.
• Organizations whose primary purpose is to advance a political cause.
• Organizations that engage in practices and observances that are hateful, incite hatred or violence against other individuals or groups, or contravene criminal law.
• Crown corporations, municipalities, for-profit organizations (including for-profit Jewish summer camps funded under the Jewish Summer Camp Stream in 2026-27), libraries and individuals.

Organizations not included in the Eligible Organizations or Ineligible Organizations list but otherwise feel they meet program eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit a completed application for the Ministry’s consideration.  

Can previous AHSP recipients apply again?

Yes. Organizations that applied for or received AHSP funding in previous program years may apply again for 2026-27, provided they meet the current eligibility requirements.

Please note not-for-profit Jewish summer camps funded under the Jewish Summer Camp stream (2026-27) will be ineligible for Stream 1: Security and Infrastructure but can submit an application for the Ministry’s consideration under Stream 2: Special Projects.  

What is a non-registered chapter?

A non-registered chapter is a site, branch, section or other division of an eligible parent organization that does not have its own Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charity registration number or business number.

Can non-registered chapters apply directly?

No. Non-registered chapters must be included in an application submitted by their eligible parent organization.

How much funding is available under Stream 1? How is the Stream 1 grant amount calculated? 

Eligible organizations may receive a one-time grant ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on their organization category and revenue. Additional funding may also be available for eligible non-registered chapters. 

Stream 1 applicants will be assessed against the following organization categories below in order. Where an organization qualifies for more than one category, the first applicable category will be applied.

1. Priority Organizations: Organizations primarily serving vulnerable communities at greatest risk of experiencing hate incidents. For the purposes of this program, these are Jewish, Muslim, Black, Indigenous, 2SLBTQQIA+, Sikh and Hindu communities. 

•         Organizations in this category are eligible for $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000, depending on the organization’s annual revenue. 

2. Other Non-Priority New Organizations: Organizations that have not previously received AHSP funding in 2024-25 or 2025-26 and do not meet the definition of a Priority Organization above. 

•         Organizations in this category are eligible for $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000, depending on the organization’s annual revenue. 

3. Other Non-Priority Returning Organizations: Organizations that have received AHSP funding in 2024-25 or 2025-26 and do not meet the definition of a Priority Organization above.

•         Organizations in this category are eligible for $2,500, $3,750 or $5,000 depending on the organization’s annual revenue. 

Eligible registered charities and not-for-profit corporations with fiscal period ending in 2024

For these organizations, the grant is based on the organization’s revenue for that year. The revenue ranges and grant amounts are as follows:

Revenue for Fiscal Period Ending in 2024	Grant Amount for Priority Organizations and Non-Priority New Organizations	Additional Grant Amount for Each Eligible Non-Registered Chapter (if applicable)
Less than $100,000	$5,000	$5,000
Greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than or equal to $500,000	$7,500	$7,500
Over $500,000	$10,000	$10,000

 

Revenue for Fiscal Period Ending in 2024	Grant Amount for Non-Priority Returning Organizations	Additional Grant Amount for Each Eligible Non-Registered Chapter (if applicable)
Less than $100,000	$2,500	$2,500
Greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than or equal to $500,000	$3,750	$3,750
Over $500,000	$5,000	$5,000

 

First Nations Band Councils, First Nations Tribal Councils and First Nations education authorities

These organizations and their non-registered chapters are included in the Priority Organizations category and eligible for a grant of $10,000, as follows:

Revenue for Fiscal Period Ending in 2024	Grant Amount	Additional Grant Amount for Each Eligible Non-Registered Chapter (if applicable)
Not applicable	$10,000	$10,000

 

Read the User Guide for more information on funding available and grant calculations under Stream 1.

How much funding is available under Stream 2?

Eligible organizations may receive a one-time grant of $100,000 for an approved anti-hate project.

What are priority organizations?

Priority organizations are organizations primarily serving communities identified as being at greatest risk of hate incidents. For the purposes of this program, those communities are:

• Jewish
• Muslim
• Black
• Indigenous
• 2SLGBTQQIA+
• Sikh
• Hindu

What expenses are eligible under Stream 1?

Eligible expenses under Stream 1: Security and Infrastructure 

• Interior or exterior building upgrades through a qualified and licensed service provider to enhance security for the organization to protect against hate-motivated incidents:
  • Security equipment and hardware costs including doors, windows, security film for windows, intercoms, public address systems, security alarm systems, lock systems, fences, gates, lighting, cameras, relocation of existing cameras, anti-graffiti sealant and graffiti removal, motion detectors, signage, fire alarm systems and landscaping.
  • Relevant construction costs including contractor fees, labour, equipment rental, installation fees.
  • Relevant renovation costs (e.g., renovations to the main entrance or lobby area to enhance building security).
  • Closed circuit television systems (CCTV), which may include exterior cameras, digital video recorder, monitor, and associated installation costs (including wiring, brackets and accessories).
• Immediate, short-term (i.e., non-recurring and defined period of time) security services for the organization to prevent and/or respond to hate-motivated incidents (e.g., short-term licensed security guards, immediate repairs or reinforcements to facilities).
  • Security guards must be licensed and hired from a licensed (third party) agency, or paid duty police. Security guards and the agencies that employ them must adhere to all requirements under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act and its regulations. Hourly wages only (i.e., no benefits).
  • Licence status of security guards and agencies can be checked online through Ontario.ca. 
• Cybersecurity and technology upgrades for the organization to prevent and/or respond to hate-motivated incidents.
• Completion of professional security assessments and emergency planning for the organization to protect against hate-motivated incidents:
  • Report and consultation fees from a qualified service provider.
  • Development of policies and procedures.
• Education and training for staff, volunteers and community members of the organization to prevent and/or respond to hate-motivated incidents:
  • First-aid training, mental health awareness and de-escalation courses, conflict avoidance and violence prevention courses, Incident Command System courses provided by a qualified service provider such as an accredited (third party) educational organization, professional school or college.
  • Legal awareness (know-your-rights training), cybersecurity and hate crime awareness seminars provided by a qualified service provider such as an accredited (third party) educational organization, professional school or college.
  • Honoraria for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers. Honoraria may not exceed $500. The rate for a partial day (three hours or less) is $250, and $500 for a full day.

What expenses are not eligible under Stream 1?

Ineligible expenses under Stream 1: Security and Infrastructure include:

• Capital costs that include land, vehicles and construction/major repairing of buildings.
• Salaries and wages for staff (full-time or part-time personnel), with the exception of short-term licensed security guards, as listed under Eligible Expenses.
• Hospitality and travel expenses, including food, refreshments, transportation and honoraria, with the exception of honoraria for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, as listed under Eligible Expenses.
• Core or ongoing operating expenses of the organization, including maintenance, leases and rents, utilities, repairs or supplies not related to protecting against hate-motivated incidents, or recurring expenses for security monitoring.
• Equipment and/or hardware not related to protecting against hate-motivated incidents, which includes: benches, concrete barrier wall, fingerprint reader system, night vision goggles, body armour, projectors, security desk, radios, hidden cameras or dummy cameras, tire shredders and any other equipment or hardware not related to protecting against hate-motivated incidents.
• Expenses that include but are not limited to building repairs that do not enhance the security of the organization to protect against hate-motivated incidents.
• HST and any other taxes.

What expenses are eligible under Stream 2?

Eligible Stream 2 expenses may include:

• Project staff and facilitators, including coordination, delivery, and community outreach roles
• Professional services, such as trainers, cultural advisors, Elders, evaluators, or mental‑health practitioners
• Training and education costs, including workshops, curriculum development, and learning materials
• Community engagement activities, such as forums, dialogues, youth programs, and participant honoraria
• Trauma‑informed and support services related to hate‑motivated incidents
• Program materials and supplies, including educational resources and digital tools required for delivery
• Research, data collection, and evaluation, including needs assessments and outcome measurement
• Communications and awareness activities, such as public education campaigns and outreach materials
• Project‑specific administrative expenses, including financial management and reporting (capped to 10% of total project cost)

Is approval guaranteed if I meet all eligibility requirements?

No. The AHSP grant is a discretionary and non-entitlement program. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee that an application will be approved for funding.

If my organization has multiple locations, can I apply for each location?

Eligible organizations may apply on behalf of eligible non-registered chapters of their organization.

A “non-registered chapter” for the purposes of this grant program is defined as a site, branch, section or other division of an eligible parent organization with a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charity registration or business number, that does not have its own CRA charity registration or business number separate from the eligible “parent” organization.

To be eligible, a non-registered chapter must:

• Have a parent organization that meets all associated grant eligibility criteria, including having a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charity registration number or business number.
• Not have its own CRA charity registration number or business number separate from the eligible parent organization. 
• Any organization chapter, site, branch, section or other division with its own CRA charity registration number or business number must submit their own application.   
• Be operational in Ontario on October 15, 2026.
• Hold gatherings of religious, spiritual or cultural significance at least once a month as part of regular activities. 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations that primarily hold 2SLGBTQQIA+ annual cultural gatherings are also eligible. 
• Use a non-residential indoor or outdoor facility in Ontario that is owned, leased, licensed or rented by the non-registered chapter or the parent organization, at least once a month for hosting gatherings of religious, spiritual or cultural significance as part of regular activities. 
  • Exception: For 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations who primarily hold annual cultural gatherings: Use a non-residential indoor facility in Ontario or hold an event permit that is owned/held by the 2SLGBTQQIA+ non-registered chapter or the parent organization for 2SLGBTQQIA+ annual cultural gatherings.
• Operate at a non-residential indoor or outdoor facility, or 2SLGBTQQIA+ annual cultural gatherings space, with a separate address from the parent organization; or have a governance structure that is distinct from the parent organization.

To access grant funding, non-registered chapters must have their “parent” organization apply on their behalf. The parent organization must submit one application on behalf of all non-registered chapters and ensure that the information is complete for all non-registered chapters before submitting.

My organization received funding through another security-related grant this year (e.g. Government of Canada’s Security Infrastructure Program). Can I apply for the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant?  

Yes, organizations that have received funding through other security-related grants in previous years are eligible for the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant.

I am a First Nations Band Council, First Nations Tribal Council or First Nations education authority. How much funding is my organization eligible for?

First Nations band councils, First Nations tribal councils and First Nations education authorities, and their eligible non-registered chapters, are eligible for a grant of $10,000.

When can approved funds be spent?

Approved funding must be used on eligible expenses incurred between September 1, 2026, and August 31, 2027 and in accordance with eligible expenses for your approved funding stream(s). 

Do approved applicants need to submit a report?

A final report will be required from recipients by August 31, 2027, to ensure compliance on how funds were used. 

Stream 1 recipients are required to report on eligible expenses that the organization spent grant funding on, including providing a summary of receipts related to the eligible expenses. Please ensure that all eligible expenses reported under the AHSP program exclude HST and any other taxes. 

Stream 2 recipients are required to report on project activities, outcomes, community level impacts and expenditures related to their approved project, including providing a summary of receipts related to the eligible expenses in accordance with their approved project. Please ensure that all eligible expenses reported under the AHSP program exclude HST and any other taxes.

All recipients will also be required to report on how the grant funding contributed to increased safety, security and/or capacity for the organization to protect against hate-related incidents, and overall experience with the grant program.

Please note that applicants approved for funding under both streams will only be required to submit a single final report, which will include separate sections for Stream 1 and Stream 2 activities and expenses.

Stream 2 recipients may be subject to additional reporting requirements. These additional reporting requirements will be subject to the negotiation of a Transfer Payment Agreement. 

Recipients will be notified when the reporting form is available on the grant program application portal at a later date. The reporting form will set out the content required to be included in the report. 

What happens if grant funds are not fully used?

Recipients must return any unspent funds or funds used for ineligible expenses in accordance with the program's terms and conditions.

As per sections 16.0, 17.0 and 18.0 of the program’s terms and conditions, if you, as a grant recipient, have not used all or a portion of the funds provided on eligible expenses incurred between September 1, 2026, and August 31, 2027, you are required to return any unspent funds by making a cheque payable to the “Minister of Finance” and mailing it to: 

Attention: Sergio Vazquez - Anti-Hate Security and Prevention (AHSP) Grant Program
2nd Fl, 400 University Ave
Toronto, ON
M7A 2R9

Kindly include your CRA business number on the cheque. Any unspent grant funding amounts or amounts spent on ineligible expenses will be followed up using standard Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming protocols for default and collections.

For additional details, please see the terms and conditions of the grant program. 

What are the Certificate of Insurance requirements? What if my organization’s insurance expires before August 31, 2027? 

Applicants must maintain coverage of commercial general liability insurance throughout the duration of the program (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027). 

Applicants will be required to submit a valid certificate of insurance at the time of application demonstrating that coverage is in place that will continue until at least August 31, 2026. There will be an obligation to provide evidence of renewal of the policy, if applicable. Note: If the certificate of insurance submitted at the time of application shows your insurance coverage ends before August 31, 2026, you will be asked to submit an updated certificate of insurance at the time of submitting your report back in August 2027. 

The certificate of insurance must show a commercial general liability limit of not less than $2 million ($2,000,000) in the organization’s name, which confirms the insurance coverage and indemnity as required by the terms and conditions of the grant program, as more particularly set out in article 12.0 of the terms and conditions, signed by an authorized insurance representative. 

Note: First Nations band councils, First Nations tribal councils and First Nations education authorities are exempt from the requirement of providing a certificate of insurance.

The full insurance requirements are set out in section 12.0 of the terms and conditions for the program and can be viewed at this link.

Note: Certificate of insurance requirements must be accurate and met in full, as listed in the User Application Guide. Applicants must contact their insurance provider and update their certificate of insurance with the required information. 

How will the government verify my revenue? 

The Government of Ontario works with the Canada Revenue Agency to verify this information. By accepting the Terms and Conditions of the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, applicants consent to having this information shared with the Government of Ontario for the sole purposes of verifying eligibility and administering funding under the program.

All applications and the corresponding grant are subject to audit or verification by the Government of Ontario, or their authorized representatives. All approved applicants for 2026-27 are required to keep all documents required to prove their eligibility for this grant for seven years. All approved applicants must also keep receipts for eligible expenses that are spent between September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027. 

What do I need to attach to show my provincial or federal incorporation status?

Applicants are required to submit their organization’s articles of incorporation or letters patent.

My organization holds gatherings of religious significance in a residential space. Am I eligible to apply?

Organizations that are operating from residential spaces or properties are not eligible for the grant program. Non-residential leases are required to ensure that the organization's property is primarily being used to host gatherings that have, "religious, spiritual or cultural significance" at least once a month as part of regular activities, as opposed to any residential activities.

Applicant Support

How do I apply?

Applicants must submit their application through the AHSP grant application portal using the online application system.

Do I need a MyOntario account to apply?

No. All required information will be requested as part of the application submission.

Can I save my application and finish it later?

Yes. Applicants can save their application as a draft and return to complete it before submission.

How do I resume my draft application? 

If you have already started an application and saved it as a draft, select the button, Resume application, from the homepage. 

To gain access, you will need your: 

• Authorization number 
• CRA business number 
• Both were sent to your email address when you first saved your application. 
• Once you have entered those in, you will be sent an email with a token number to resume your application. 

I have submitted a complete and accurate application. Is my application being processed now? When will I hear back about my application status? 

Reviews of submitted applications will take place on a rolling basis. Disbursement of grant funding ends once the program budget is spent. After the organization has submitted a complete application, it may take at least 20 business days or more for a response regarding the application.

If the application is missing information, we may contact you by email for more details. A delayed response to requests for missing information may impact the processing of your application. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive an email about the payment details.

The maximum funds specified by the Province in the payment notification will be at the Province’s sole and absolute discretion and will be final.

Where can I find my authorization number?

An email with the authorization number and CRA business number was sent to the email address of the contact listed in the Contact section of the application. All communications are sent to this address.

I cannot find the email that has my authorization number. How do I request a new one?

If you cannot find your authorization number to resume your application form, please select the hyperlink, "Can't find your authorization number?", which is below the Authorization number text box at the bottom of the homepage.  

Enter the primary contact’s email and CRA business number you provided in your application. 

You will receive an email containing your authorization number and CRA business number used to resume your application. 

What is a token?

A token is a 6-digit number used to authenticate that you are the owner of a saved application.  The token is generated when you try to resume a saved application and sent to the email address that you provided in the Contact Information section. 

If your token expires while you're trying to resume your saved application, you can request a new token by clicking the link, Send me a new token. 

My token has expired. What do I do?

If your token has expired after 5 minutes, select the link, Send me a new token. You will receive an email with your new token number. 

Whose contact information should I enter in my application?

The contact must have financial signing authority to complete the application on behalf of your organization. 

The contact should be able to easily access and resume a saved application. 

This contact will be responsible for grant administration and all communications with the ministry. 

How do I upload attachment(s) to my application?

To upload your attachment(s): 

• Click the button, Select file 
• Find the saved attachment on your computer. Once you've found the file, select Open. 
• If you wish to upload another file, click the button, Attach another file. 
• The attachment size cannot exceed 4 Megabytes (MB).  
• Allowed file types include: gif, jfif, jpeg, jpg, png, pdf. Other file types will not be shown as a selection to be uploaded. 

Am I able to update the contact information in my application after I have submitted? 

If the contact information for the organization changes, please to email the Ministry to flag the change immediately, by emailing ahsp2026@ontario.ca.

What information will I need for my application?

Applicants may be required to provide:

• Organization name
• CRA charity registration number or business number
• Articles of incorporation or letters patent (if applicable)
• Documentation confirming use of an eligible facility
• Information about the organization's activities and gatherings
• Revenue information (if applicable)
• Business bank account information
• Supporting documentation requested by the program

Additional requirements may apply depending on the applicant type and funding stream.

Can I submit an application with personal bank account information for payment? 

No. Funding can only be paid to a business bank account registered under the organization's legal or operating name. Personal bank accounts are not accepted.

What if I am a First Nations band council, tribal council or education authority and do not have a CRA charity registration or business number?

Contact the AHSP team at ahsp2026@ontario.ca for support.

What happens if my application is missing information?

The Province may contact you by email to request additional information or documentation needed to assess your application. A delay in response to requests for additional information may result in delay in processing your application. 

How will approved funding be paid?

Approved funding will be provided by electronic funds transfer directly into the organization's business bank account.

What records do recipients need to keep?

Approved recipients must retain documents supporting their eligibility and keep receipts for eligible expenses for seven years.

Can my application or funding be audited?

Yes. Applications and approved grants may be audited or verified by the Government of Ontario or its authorized representatives.

Is my information protected?

Information provided to the Ministry is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and may be used for program administration, eligibility verification and related purposes.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the program?

For Stream 1 inquiries: ahsp2026@ontario.ca

For Stream 2 inquiries: ahspSpecialProjects@ontario.ca

Who should I contact if I have technical issues with the application portal?

For technical support related to the online application portal, contact Transfer Payment Ontario Client Care:

• Toll-free: 1-855-216-3090
• TTY: 416-325-3408
• Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095
• Email: TPONCC@ontario.ca

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, excluding government and statutory holidays.