VIRGINIA
Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program (HCGP)
Virginia state funding for security at institutions and nonprofits at risk of hate crimes.
$150K
Maximum per locality (Round 1); no stated cap for direct nonprofit applicants (Round 2)
State
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
What Is HCGP?
The Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program (HCGP) provides Virginia state funding to reduce bias-motivated incidents by funding security at institutions and nonprofit organizations that have been, or are at risk of being, targets of hate crimes. Administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
HCGP is separate from the federal NSGP, which VDEM administers in Virginia. The state has committed $1.5 million per year for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Round 1 each year is open to localities partnering with nonprofits; Round 2 allows nonprofits and institutions to apply directly.
Key differences from federal NSGP: a hate-crime nexus rather than a terrorism-risk standard, a short grant period, allowable contract security and part-time risk-assessment staff, and up to 10% indirect costs.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits and institutions located in Virginia that have been targets of, or are at risk of being targeted for, hate crimes
- Houses of worship, religious schools, community centers and other faith-based or cultural nonprofits
- Round 1: localities apply on behalf of nonprofit partners (one application per locality, which may bundle several nonprofits); Round 2: nonprofits may apply directly
- Active SAM registration and a UEI number are required; applicants must not be excluded or debarred
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the Virginia Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program (HCGP) typically include:
Physical Security Equipment
Target hardening, critical technology and infrastructure, and security equipment
Security Personnel
Contracted on-site security services and inspection or screening systems
Surveillance and Monitoring
Security and monitoring equipment, including camera and alarm systems
Security Training
Security training for staff and volunteers, serious-incident response and terrorism awareness training
Risk Assessment Staff
Part-time staff to conduct security risk assessments (one-time funding only)
Indirect Costs
Up to 10% of the total award
Application Process for the HCGP
The HCGP is competitive. Applications are submitted through the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS) and are evaluated on demonstrated need, program design, budget justification, cost effectiveness and sustainability. Capital construction, renovation, land, vehicles, firearms and mileage are not allowable.
Round 1 of the FY2027 cycle closed March 17, 2026 for localities, with awards capped at $150,000 and a grant period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Round 2 closed August 18, 2026 for direct nonprofit applicants, with roughly $1 million available and a grant period of November 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Grant period extensions are not considered. We track deadlines for Virginia and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the Virginia Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program (HCGP).
Who can apply for the HCGP?
Institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia that have been targets of, or are at risk of being targeted for, hate crimes. In Round 1 each year, localities apply on behalf of nonprofit partners in their jurisdiction and may bundle several organizations in one application. In Round 2, nonprofits and institutions may apply directly to DCJS. All applicants need an active SAM registration and UEI number.
How much funding can a Virginia organization receive through HCGP?
The state has committed $1.5 million per year for FY2027 and FY2028. Round 1 awards to localities are capped at $150,000. Round 2 guidelines do not state a per-applicant maximum; DCJS may award more or less than the amount requested. No match is required.
What can HCGP funds be used for?
Target hardening and security equipment, security and monitoring systems, contracted on-site security and screening, security and incident-response training for staff and volunteers, part-time staff for security risk assessments, and indirect costs up to 10% of the award. Capital construction or renovation, land, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, lobbying, honoraria and mileage are not allowable.
How is HCGP different from the federal NSGP?
HCGP is funded by the Commonwealth and run by DCJS, while the federal NSGP in Virginia is run by VDEM. HCGP is built around hate-crime risk rather than terrorism risk, has a shorter grant period, and allows personnel and indirect costs the federal program handles differently. Organizations can pursue both as long as the same costs are not claimed twice.
Who administers the HCGP and where do I apply?
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) administers the program. Applications are submitted through the Online Grants Management System at ogms.dcjs.virginia.gov. Funding announcements and guidelines are posted at dcjs.virginia.gov under Grants.
When does the Virginia application window open and close?
DCJS runs two rounds each state fiscal year. For FY2027, Round 1 (localities) closed March 17, 2026 and Round 2 (direct nonprofit applications) closed August 18, 2026, with awards approved by the Criminal Justice Services Board on October 8, 2026. We expect a similar schedule for FY2028 and notify clients when the funding opportunity is posted.