FY2022: Hate Crime Prevention

Fund Code: 794

Purpose:

The purpose of the competitive state-funded grant is to support the implementation of programs designed to prevent hate crimes and incidences of bias in public schools as defined under M.G.L. Chapter 22C, Section 32.

Priorities:

Competitive priority will be given to:

• Schools that have experienced hate crimes or incidences of bias within the last 2 school years (since the start of school year 2019-2020)

• Applicants who have already established and sustained collaboration with local human rights organizations that have expertise in promoting equity, building positive school climate, preventing hate crimes, and addressing bias-motivated incidents and can include activities and events for caregivers and families to discuss the importance of recognizing, reporting and addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.

• Applicants who describe how they will establish and sustain collaboration with organizations local human rights organizations that have expertise in promoting equity, building positive school climate, preventing hate crimes, and addressing bias-motivated incidents and can include activities and events for caregivers and families to discuss the importance of recognizing, reporting and addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.

Eligibility:

Massachusetts public school districts, including charter schools, are eligible to apply. Applicants must include a letter of support from the head of their local law enforcement agency, which should also document whether there is a School Resource Officer(s) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding that role and procedures for reporting and tracking hate crimes.

• The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department) reserves the right to consider additional factors that include geographic distribution in making final award decisions.

Funding Type:

State

Funding:

There is approximately $400,000.00 available for this grant.

The maximum amount for which a district can apply for is $50,000.00

Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.

Fund Use:

Funds must be used in alignment with the purpose and priorities outlined and as described in a budget, budget narrative, and required program information that is submitted to the Department's Office of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE). Indirect costs are not allowed.

Applicants' proposals should outline the applicants' need and how the applicants will utilize grant funds to address the need and implement strategies and programs based on recommendations from the Governor's Task Force on Hate Crimes and the Hate Crimes Prevention Resource Guide that include:

• Supporting the implementation of evidence-based curriculum and programs for students that promote awareness and understanding, while helping to prevent hate crimes and incidents of bias-motivated conduct, including professional development for educators and school staff;

• Establishing and sustaining collaboration with local organizations that have expertise in preventing hate crimes and addressing incidents of bias, including partnering to offer family events to discuss the importance of recognizing, reporting and addressing hate crimes and bias;

• Improving policies, procedures and protocols for reporting and responding to incidents of hate crime and bias, in a timely, consistent, and effective manner, including disciplinary policies and programs that not only protect victims, but also seek to educate offending students and reintegrate them into the school community; proposals should identify potential partnerships with local law enforcement and other community-based organizations to provide training and support for school educators and staff.

Project Duration:

Upon Approval through 6/30/2022

Program Unit:

Office of College, Career, and Technical Education

Contact:

Kerry Akashian

Phone Number:

(978) 551-7070

Date Due:

Thursday, December 30, 2021
Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. on the date due.

Required Forms:

• Part I: General — Program Unit Signature Page — (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants)

• Part II: Budget Workbook

• Part III: Required Program Information

Submission Instructions:

Proposals must be received via email to kerry.akashian@mass.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021. The naming convention in the subject line should read FC 794, Hate Crimes Prevention, Name of District.

Awarded Recipients: Upon award, recipients will be required to enter the approved budget and Part I in EdGrants. Once selected, recipients will be contacted with further instructions on the process.

Last Updated: December 3, 2021