The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is accepting competitive applications for FY2027 Fund Code 0794: Hate Crimes Prevention. The program supports public-school programming designed to prevent hate crimes and incidents of bias and to strengthen school climate, reporting, response, education, and collaboration.
Funding and deadline
DESE states that $1,000,000 is available statewide. New applicants may request up to $50,000; districts that received funding under this line item in either of the past two years may request up to $25,000. Applications must be received by Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern through GEM$ at the LEA Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved stage.
Eligibility and priorities
All Massachusetts public school districts, including charter schools, are eligible to apply on behalf of their schools. Applications must include a letter of support from the local law-enforcement agency documenting relevant School Resource Officer and reporting arrangements where applicable. Priority is given to applicants with recent or recurring hate crimes or incidents of bias, demonstrated collaboration with qualified local human-rights organizations, effective prevention and response practices, and districts or schools in the Strategic Transformation Region.
At least 25% of available funds are prioritized for schools and districts in chronically underperforming status, subject to application volume.
Allowable uses and restrictions
Funds may support evidence-based curriculum and programs for students, educator and staff professional development, collaboration with local organizations and families, and improvements to policies, procedures, protocols, training, and response practices related to hate crimes and bias incidents.
Technology purchases are not allowable. Supplies and materials that are not curriculum-specific may not exceed 10% of the grant. Indirect costs are not allowable.
Submission
Applications are submitted through DESE’s Grants for Education Management System (GEM$). The required submission path includes Grantwriter Submitted, LEA Fiscal Representative Approved, and LEA Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved by the stated deadline.
Atlas fit
Atlas Opportunity Score: 86/100. School/Education Funding Score: 96/100. N9+ Fit: 0/100. This is a strong school-safety and climate funding opportunity, but the governing RFP expressly prohibits technology purchases, so Atlas does not force an N9+ or clinical-technology fit. Dr. Miltie, LLC is not a direct eligible applicant.
Contact
Program contact: Nyal Fuentes, DESE Office of College, Career, and Technical Education, nyal.f.fuentes@mass.gov, 781-338-3593.