MARYLAND
Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program (PAHC)
Maryland state funding for nonprofit security, with awards tiered by organization budget size.
$200K
Maximum (tiered by org budget)
State
Funded by GOCPYVS
What Is PAHC?
The Protecting Against Hate Crimes (PAHC) Grant Program provides Maryland state funding for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes. Administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.
PAHC is separate from the federal NSGP. Maryland organizations can apply for both. Award caps are tiered by organization budget: under $500K budget = up to $50K, $500K-$2M = up to $100K, over $2M = up to $200K.
Key differences from federal NSGP: tiered by organization size.
Who Is Eligible?
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Maryland
- Houses of worship, religious schools, faith-based and cultural nonprofits
- Must occupy the facility (owned or leased) at the time of application
- Documented credible risk of terrorist or bias-motivated attack
- Compliance with Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) application requirements
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Allowable expenses under the Maryland Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program (PAHC) typically include:
Physical Security Equipment
Barriers, fencing, lighting, reinforced doors and windows, bollards
Surveillance and Monitoring
CCTV cameras, intrusion detection systems
Access Control
Card readers, electronic locks, key fob systems
Communication Systems
Emergency communications and mass notification tools
Security Training
Active threat training, emergency preparedness exercises, drills
Contract Security Personnel
Professional security services (with restrictions)
Cybersecurity Improvements
Firewalls, secure networks, data protection, cybersecurity training
Application Process for the PAHC
The PAHC is competitive. Applications are submitted to Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), which reviews and scores them against state and federal criteria. A strong application requires a documented threat case, a vulnerability assessment, and a written Investment Justification.
The period of performance for awarded grants typically runs one to three years. We track deadlines for Maryland and advise on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about applying for the Maryland Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program (PAHC).
Who can apply for the PAHC?
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits located in Maryland that can document a credible risk of terrorist or bias-motivated attack. This typically includes houses of worship, religious schools, faith-based and cultural organizations whose mission, ideology, or community make them targets. The nonprofit must occupy the facility (owned or leased) at the time of application.
How much funding can a Maryland nonprofit receive through PAHC?
Award amounts are set per cycle by Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP). Most recent guidance: Up to $250,000 per applicant (one of the higher state caps).. The program is reimbursement-based, so plan for a 30-90 day cash-flow gap between vendor payment and Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) reimbursement. Multi-site organizations may be eligible for higher totals depending on facility count and risk documentation.
Who administers the PAHC and where do I find the official source?
The PAHC is administered by Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) — the official source for solicitations, NOFOs, and current-cycle deadlines is https://gocpp.maryland.gov/. The agency publishes annual scoring rubrics and supplemental guidance there. Working from the official source (rather than third-party summaries) is the best way to avoid disqualification on technicalities.
When does the Maryland application window open and close?
Multiple cycles per year; Maryland GOCPP typically posts solicitations in spring and fall. Application windows historically run 30-60 days from solicitation publication. Subscribe to the Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) announcement list or set a calendar reminder near the historical cycle dates so you are not caught short on document preparation, which typically takes 4-6 weeks for a competitive submission.
What can PAHC funds be used for?
Allowable expenses generally include physical security equipment (cameras, locks, barriers, access control, ballistic-resistant materials), surveillance and monitoring systems, security training for staff and volunteers, and planning costs. Maryland PAHC offers tiered award levels based on the applicant's organizational budget — smaller nonprofits compete against peers of similar size. Always cross-check the current cycle's NOFO for the precise allowable-expense list — categories can shift between cycles.
Does the PAHC require a match or cost share?
State-funded programs sometimes diverge from the federal NSGP match policy. Confirm the current PAHC match requirement on the Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) solicitation. Carefully review the cost-share rules in the current solicitation: nonprofits that assume the federal rule applies to a state-funded program (or vice versa) sometimes submit budgets that get partially disallowed during review.