FY2020: Hate Crimes Prevention

Fund Code: 794

Purpose:

The purpose of this 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.

Key Grant Information:

Applicants' proposals should outline the applicants' need and how the applicants will utilize grant funds to address that need and implement strategies and programs based on recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Hate Crimes, including:

• Support 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;

• Establish and sustain 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;

• Improve 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.

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 2017–2018).

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 such as geographic distribution in making final award decisions.

Funding Type:

State

Funding:

Approximately $400,000 is available through the state's 2019 supplemental budget line 7061-9815. The maximum amount for which a district can apply is $50,000.

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 Student and Family Support. Indirect costs are not allowed.

Project Duration:

Year 1: Upon Approval – 6/30/2020
Year 2 FY21 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2021 (subject to continued appropriation)

Program Unit:

Office of Student and Family Support

Contact:

Anne Gilligan
781-338-6309

Date Due:

Tuesday, March 17, 2020
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)

Applicants must submit two signature pages:

Signature page for FY20, School Year 2019–2020

Signature page for FY21, School Year 2021–2021

 

Part II — Budget Workbook

Applicants must submit the following two proposed budgets reflecting the total request for funding):

FY20 Budget (proposed expenditures from upon approval through 6/30/2020)

FY21 Budget, subject to continued appropriation (proposed expenditures from 7/1/2020 through 6/30/2021)

Part III — Required Program Information

Letter of Support for the grant program signed by both the school district and the local law enforcement agency Civil Rights Officer as identified on file with the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC).

Additional Information and Requirements:

For Grant Management processes, including information about requesting funds beyond the initial payment, and additional details on managing your grant, see the EdGrants User Guides and Information webpage.

Submission Instructions:

Email one (1) complete set of all required documents, in their original Word or Excel formats (i.e., not converted to a PDF), and one scanned version of both signed Part I documents to achievement@mass.gov by the date noted above.

Upon award, recipients will be required to enter the approved budget in EdGrants and upload required documents. Once selected, grant recipients will be contacted with further instructions on the process.

Last Updated: March 3, 2020