New Funding Opportunity: 2026 Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program

DCJS seeks applications through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program, which funds safety and security projects at nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. Applications will be accepted for up to $250,000 per organization. Each eligible organization may submit one application for one or more physical security enhancements and/or cybersecurity enhancements.

Organizations may submit applications for projects at facilities that have received prior funding through the program from DCJS or the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services if the proposed project is different than any previously funded projects or build upon or enhances the security measures previously undertaken.

The deadline for applications is Noon (DST) Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Further information about this RFA is available under Current Funding Opportunities on the Office of Program Development and Funding page

New Funding Opportunity: Havens of Opportunity, Peace and Empowerment in Communities Experiencing High Rates of Gun Violence (HOPE) Initiative

The HOPE initiative aims to establish or enhance safe, supportive, and trusted neighborhood havens that provide consistent, high-quality programming for youth and families, prioritizing individuals up to age 24, during high-risk evening hours from 5-9 p.m. and on weekends. These havens will foster healing, connection, and skill-building through culturally relevant and trauma-informed programming designed to interrupt cycles of violence and promote youth well-being.

Qualified nonprofit community-based organizations within a New York City borough may apply for funding to manage a neighborhood-based haven. Approximately $5 million will be made available to support five qualified organizations: one for each of the NYC boroughs. Applications will be accepted for up to $1 million, with a contract term of two years. Each eligible organization may submit only one application.

The deadline for applications is Noon Wednesday July 1, 2026.

Further information about this RFA is available under Current Funding Opportunities on the Office of Program Development and Funding page

New York State Commercial Security Tax Credit

The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) administers the state’s Commercial Security Tax Credit Program. The program provides a tax credit to small retail businesses (50 or fewer employees) that operate a physical location or locations in the state and incur costs associated with retail theft prevention measures. Businesses may be eligible for a $3,000 credit per retail location, depending on the business size and expenses.

More information about the tax credit >>

New York State’s Clean Slate Act

New York State’s Clean Slate Act takes effect Nov. 16, 2024, and provides the state Office of Court Administration (OCA) up to three years to develop the required processes to automatically seal eligible conviction records. Once that work is complete, convictions that meet certain criteria will be sealed for certain civil background check purposes.

It is important to note that until OCA implements these sealing processes, any criminal history record provided through the DCJS Records Review process will continue to include convictions that eventually will be sealed because of Clean Slate. DCJS cannot seal records until receiving an order from the court to do so.

NOTE: Records of individuals convicted of sex crimes and non-drug Class A felonies, including murder, will not be sealed. Police departments, sheriffs’ offices, prosecutors, the courts, and any employer permitted by law to perform fingerprint-based background checks on job applicants will continue to have access to all criminal records under the law.

Additional information about the Clean Slate Act >>

New York State’s Firearm Laws: Resources and Information

New York State’s Gun Safety website provides the public, gun owners and gun dealers with comprehensive information about the requirements detailed in state laws. Questions about the new law may be directed to 1-855-LAW-GUNS.

Gun Safety in New York State >>

Frequently Asked Questions >>

Department of Environmental Conservation FAQs >>

Minimum Standards for Firearm Safety Training >>