Aims/priorities: The scheme is part of the Government's Hate Crime Action Plan. The scheme is intended to reduce the risk and impact of hate crime at places of worship and associated faith community centres. Funding is available for protective security measures to places of worship that have been subject to, or are vulnerable to a hate crime attack.
Hate crimes are any crimes motivated by hostility on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. This scheme is focusing on religion.
In 2023 and 2024, funding is provided via two distinct schemes:
- Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme
- Protective Security for Mosques Scheme
Who can apply? Places of worship in England and Wales can submit a bid.
The following are some examples of places of worship buildings that are eligible to apply for the funding (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Churches
- Gurdwaras
- Mosques
- Temples
- Associated faith community centres (defined as community centre run by a place of worship or near a place of worship that is faith based, and where regular worship takes place).
Grant amount: No grant size is specified for this round of funding.
Application process: Applications are now open until 15 August 2023. Notifications are expected by November 2023.
Full details of the scheme and the online application form can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Any queries regarding an application should be directed to the Home Office's nominated contractor Esotec Limited.
Deadline: Tuesday 15 August 2023.
Contact information: Email: pow_2022@esotec.co.uk
Website: Protective security schemes for places of worship - GOV.UK