VICTORIA –  

Summary

• The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program provides funding to eligible places of worship, cultural community centres and other at-risk groups, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations
• 24 grants are being provided to 20 organizations to fund enhanced security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property
• Funding is made available through the Civil Forfeiture Office, which works to remove the tools and proceeds of unlawful activity

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People in British Columbia will have safer access to places of worship and other community centres as organizations receive $242,000 in anti-hate grants to improve security and address property damage.

“A thriving province is one where all people feel safe and supported, particularly in the spaces that celebrate cultural diversity and identity,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “With antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hatred on the rise in B.C. and across Canada, it’s important that people feel secure in synagogues, mosques and all the spaces where communities come together.”

Through the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program’s anti-hate stream, eligible places of worship, cultural community centres and other at-risk groups, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations can receive grants to prevent and recover from hate-motivated crimes. This year, 24 grants are being provided to 20 organizations for safety measures, including:

• enhanced security equipment
• graffiti removal
• repairs of damaged property

These grants are part of government’s ongoing work to stop hate-based crime and build a safer, more-inclusive province for all people in British Columbia.

Targeting organized crime

Funding for this program is made available through the Civil Forfeiture Office, which was established in 2006 with the purpose of removing the tools and proceeds of unlawful activity and redirecting them back into programs that support community safety and crime prevention.

The Civil Forfeiture Office continues to evolve by implementing innovative new tools to identify and forfeit the proceeds of crime, such as unexplained wealth orders. By turning unlawful proceeds into supports for those most at risk, government is addressing the root causes of crime, while disrupting the profit motive for criminal organizations.

Quick Facts:

• Since Civil Forfeiture Office’s inception, more than $100 million in civil forfeiture recoveries have been given as grants supporting community organizations throughout B.C.
• The Province announced an open call for this year's grant applications in November 2025.
• The Province is committed to identifying and removing systemic racism in policies, programs and services, and helping those who have experienced racism through the Anti Racism Act and Racist Incident Helpline.

Learn More:

• To see the 2024-25 Annual Report and see the list of 2025-26 Civil Forfeiture Grant recipients, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention/grants
• For information about victim services, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/understanding-criminal-justice/key-parts/victim-services 
• For information about the Civil Forfeiture Office, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/civil-forfeiture-office
• For information about how B.C. is keeping communities safe, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/safe-communities 

A backgrounder follows.

Niki Sharma, Attorney General –

“These grants are one way government is investing in building resilient communities and restoring people’s sense of safety and belonging. They will complement the initiatives we have implemented, like establishing new safe-access zones to help people feel safe in their places of worship.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity –

“This program turns the proceeds of unlawful activity into meaningful investments in safer, more-inclusive communities. Hate has no place in our communities. By supporting initiatives that address hate, we are helping to prevent harm, strengthen community resilience, and ensure every British Columbian feels safe and respected.” 

Ezra Shanken, CEO, Jewish Federation of British Columbia –

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to the government for recognizing the unprecedented and deeply concerning threats facing our community organizations and members. During these challenging times, the safety and security of the community centres, schools, synagogues and institutions that families access are paramount.

“The anti-hate stream of the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program sends a clear message: The right to gather, pray and live safely is fundamental and must be protected. It provides not only physical security but also a profound sense of reassurance to our community members.

“The necessity of this funding also poses a challenge for all of us, especially as risks to our community remain significant. Together, we must continue to work with the government and law enforcement to address today’s evolving security needs and target the root causes of hate.

“We remain thankful for the government’s partnership in providing these critical supports and look forward to improving these programs so that all can feel safe.”

Frank Huang, president, Wongs’ Benevolent Association –

“Our community deserves a place where youth can learn, adults can connect and seniors can gather in peace, but property crime is stealing that from us. Graffiti, vandalism and theft don't just damage buildings, they damage the sense of safety our participants need to simply walk through our doors. Funding from the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program will help us address these problems and create a safer space for our community."

Zarghoona Wakil, executive director, Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op –

“Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op is grateful to receive funding through the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program anti-hate stream. This support will help us strengthen safety and security at our site, ensuring that staff, clients, and community members can access services in a welcoming and protected environment. As an organization serving diverse communities, this funding reinforces our commitment to inclusion, dignity and community well-being.”