(The Center Square) — Nonprofit organizations in New York are getting more money to bolster their facilities against terror attacks or hate crimes, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.  

Hochul said more than $32 million in federal funding is being diverted to 157 New York nonprofits facing "an increased risk of terrorist or other extremist attacks to strengthen the security of their facilities, as well as enhance their overall preparedness. 

The funding, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Nonprofit Security Grant Program, is being doled out to New York in two separate awards — $28.4 million for organizations within the New York City Metro Area and $3.6 million for organizations outside of the Big Apple. It is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Hochul called the grants to nonprofits a "critical part of our strategy to thwart domestic terrorism" that will help fortify places of worship and nonprofits that terrorists and hate groups are increasingly targeting over their political views.

"No matter where we gather, we have the right to peaceful and respectful assembly without fear of violence or vitriol," the Democrat said in a statement. "This effort requires no less than the full partnership of those who are involved in creating a safer environment for all those who live, work and visit our great state."

The funding can be used for security risk management, security upgrades and inspection/screening systems equipment; active shooter training and security training for employees or congregation members, conducting response exercises and hiring security personnel, according to the Hochul administration. The state hasn't released a list of the grant recipients.

"New York's non-profits play a vital role in communities all across our state and this funding will help them safeguard their infrastructure, improve preparedness, and boost training to deter acts of terrorism and hate crimes," Terry O’Leary, commissioner of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner said in a statement.

The money for security upgrades follows a surge of high-profile attacks on the Jewish community, which have raised security concerns among religious leaders and civil rights groups who have noted a surge in reports of bias and hate crimes.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, who was among those who praised the federal government for providing the latest tranche of money through the program. 

"Amid rising threats — especially those we have seen across New York City and Long Island — and the striking rise in antisemitism and hate crimes, it has never been more important to ensure that New Yorkers gathering in houses of worship, dropping their children off at school, or visiting their local JCC or other faith-based community center are protected from harm," Schumer said in a statement.