Places of worship and faith community centres can now apply for an increased pot of funding to improve their physical security against potential hate attacks. 
The places of worship (POW) protective security funding scheme is a government commitment in the hate crime action plan. It provides funding for protective security measures to places of worship and associated faith community centres that are vulnerable to hate crime.
Applicants can submit bids for up to 3 protective security measures. You will be required to contribute 20% of the total cost of the security measures. The maximum government funding available to any place of worship or associated faith community centre is £56,000.
This funding is not for general improvements, lead theft, security upgrades or measures to tackle anti-social behaviour or other criminality unconnected with hate crime.
This year, Esotec Limited, has been appointed following an open competition to be the single provider responsible for conducting site assessments, quotes and installations of all security measures funded under this scheme.
Any crime that is motivated by hostility on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity can be classed as a hate crime. For this scheme, the focus is on religion. To meet the criteria for consideration for funding, your application will need to demonstrate that your place of worship or associated faith community centre is vulnerable to hate crime based on religion.
For further information and to apply, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/places-of-worship-security-funding-scheme
Deadline: 31 August 2019