We are excited to share that Bay Farm Montessori Academy has been awarded funding as part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ $5 million grant initiative aimed at helping nonprofits combat hate crimes and improve safety measures. This grant will allow us to enhance the security of our campus, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced nearly $5 million in grants to support more than 100 nonprofit organizations at high risk of hate crimes or terror attacks enhance their security. This funding is part of the administration’s broader investment in security improvements for nonprofits, which totaled $16.4 million in 2024. The latest funding reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment toward safeguarding nonprofits that serve as the heart of Massachusetts communities.
The announcement follows the release of the 2023 Hate Crime Report for Massachusetts by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The report documented 557 hate crime reports statewide —a 26.6 percent increase from 440 in 2022. As in previous years, the most common bias motivation in 2023 was based on race, ethnicity, or national origin, accounting for 45.1 percent of all incidents. Notably, anti-Jewish offenses saw the sharpest increase, which rose from 70 in 2022 to 119 in 2023.
“These organizations offer comfort, services, community and support to those they serve. Our administration is committed to ensuring nonprofits and all who gather in these spaces are protected from hate and extremist violence,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Everyone deserves to safely practice their chosen faith, access health care, seek services and gather in community spaces free from the threat of harm.”
