GPF Receives Grant to Fund Hate Crime Prevention Initiative in D.C. Region

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The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) announced Monday a grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund the “Strengthening Communities Against Hate” project, which seeks to reduce community tensions and build a cohesive response framework in Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

“Our project will create a service provider catalog, a vital resource to connect communities with accessible and culturally appropriate services and support,” said Cat Lockman, director of the peace and security portfolio at GPF. “We aim to empower local leaders and community members to take an active role in fostering a safe and inclusive environment through education, dialogue, and community service mini-grants.”

The project will:

• Launch a service provider catalog with essential services and resources tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities affected by hate crimes.

• Host community workshops focused on conflict resolution and civic engagement to equip participants with skills to lead mini-grant-funded service projects.

• Collaborate with community partners like Sierra Leone Muslim Jamaat to bridge cultural and social gaps and foster trust between communities and local law enforcement.

• Launch a multimedia campaign aimed at raising awareness about hate prevention, encouraging reporting, and promoting unity.

“This grant will enable us to build resilient communities by developing effective, community-driven models for addressing and preventing hate incidents,” Lockman said. “Our efforts will focus on facilitating reconciliation and promoting a sense of shared responsibility among all community members.”

Since its founding in 2009, the GPF has been committed to advancing community building and peacebuilding through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. The new initiative aims to further GPF’s mission to create safer, more inclusive communities by empowering local voices and enhancing community capacity to prevent and respond to hate crimes.

For more information about the project or to get involved, email safercommunities@globalpeace.org or go to www.globalpeace.org.