How to Apply for Canada’s Security Infrastructure Program (2025)

While Canada remains a welcoming society, hate isn’t confined to history books.

• In 2021, police‑reported hate‑motivated crimes surged by 27%, rising from 2,646 to 3,360 incidents.
• 2022 saw a further 7% increase, and 2023 reached a record 4,777 incidents, a 32% jump from the prior year.

Recognizing the need to safeguard community spaces, the Government of Canada launched the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP). Administered by Public Safety Canada, SIP 2025 helps community-based organizations (experienced or at risk of hate-motivated crimes) such as places of worship, private schools, and community centres fund security upgrades.

In this guide, learn how to apply for Canada’s Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) to protect at-risk communities through funded security upgrades, and take concrete steps toward safer, more resilient spaces.

What is the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP)?

The Security Infrastructure Program (SIP), administered by Public Safety Canada, is a federal initiative designed to help community-based organizations (including those experienced or at risk of hate-motivated crimes), such as places of worship, cultural centres, and schools.

The program funds projects focused on upgrading security infrastructure, including 

• surveillance cameras, 
• alarm systems, 
• lighting, and 
• access control. 

Through SIP, the government reaffirms its commitment to building “A Safe and Resilient Canada.” By investing in preventive measures, the program contributes directly to community safety, public confidence, and overall crime reduction.

Applications for SIP funding are open to eligible organizations with a clear need for enhanced security. The program is a key part of the federal strategy to support vulnerable communities, offering not just financial support but a message that targeted violence has no place in Canadian society.

Public Safety Canada encourages all qualified applicants to take advantage of the funding opportunity and strengthen their capacity to protect the people they serve.

Who is Eligible for SIP Funding?

Security Infrastructure Program funding is available to three main types of not-for-profit organizations that are at risk of being targeted by hate-motivated crimes. These include:

• Places of worship: Such as temples, mosques, synagogues, gurdwaras, and churches, any space where individuals gather regularly for religious practices, meditation, or community devotion.
• Private educational institutions: Primary and secondary schools that are privately operated and recognized by provincial or territorial education authorities.
• Community centres: Facilities that serve as gathering places for social, cultural, or recreational activities. This includes spaces like local community drop-in centres or Indigenous Friendship Centres that support year-round community engagement.

Who is Not Eligible for SIP Funding?

The following organizations do not qualify for SIP funding:

• Sports or recreational groups: This includes athletic teams, hobby clubs, and organizations focused on games.
• Government and for-profit entities: Federal or provincial departments, agencies, crown corporations, or any for-profit business are not eligible.
• Healthcare or social service providers: Organizations whose primary mandate is delivering healthcare, housing, or social services are not eligible, except for shelters and transitional housing that support victims of gender-based violence.
• Groups promoting hate or violence: Any organization that engages in hateful practices, incites violence, or breaks criminal laws will be disqualified from funding consideration.

SIP Grant Categories and What You Can Fund

Physical Security Infrastructure

Under the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP Canada), eligible organizations can receive funding to install or upgrade physical security infrastructure designed to protect their facilities from hate-motivated crimes.

Physical security infrastructure includes essential safety tools, such as:

• Surveillance Systems: CCTV cameras from Coram (featuring AI Search, Gun Detection, Productivity Alerts, License Plate Recognition, Safety Alerts), drones, video monitoring software for real-time alerts.
• Access Control Systems: Electronic locks, intercoms, key card readers, biometric scanners, or secured entry points.
• Alarm & Intrusion Detection: Burglar alarms, motion detectors, glass-break sensors, and perimeter breach alerts.
• Physical Barriers: Fencing, security gates, reinforced doors/windows, bollards, and structural enhancements.
• Lighting & Public Address Systems: Exterior lighting to eliminate blind spots and PA systems for real-time alerts and emergency communication.
• Disaster and Emergency Readiness: Fire suppression systems, reinforced infrastructure, and evacuation planning upgrades.
• Security Personnel Costs: Limited funding may also apply to trained security staff during project implementation.

These upgrades serve as the first line of defense, deterring intrusions and enabling a rapid response in the event of a security breach. This category of Security Infrastructure Program funding helps assure the continuous operation of community-serving spaces and reduces their vulnerability to targeted violence.

Minor Construction And Facility Upgrades

Under SIP Canada grants for communities at risk, funding is also available for minor construction and facility upgrades that improve the overall security of your premises. These upgrades include reinforcing entryways, windows, and other access points to prevent unauthorized entry. Organizations can also construct security vestibules or controlled entry zones to more safely monitor and manage visitor access.

Additional support includes repairs following a security incident, such as lock replacements, door reinforcements, and graffiti removal, to restore a sense of safety and dignity.

These grants for communities at risk are especially beneficial for religious institutions, schools, and cultural centres aiming to enhance day-to-day security with cost-effective, practical measures under SIP 2025 funding opportunities.

Security Planning And Assessments

Creating a safe environment begins with understanding the risks. Through Public Safety Canada's Security Infrastructure Program funding, organizations can conduct professional security planning and risk assessments. This stream of the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP Canada) focuses on proactive measures to reduce threats before they escalate.

Eligible recipients can use the funds for

• Professional Security Risk Assessments (SRA) to identify threats, vulnerabilities, and potential consequences.
• Development of a Facility Security Risk Management Plan tailored to the organization’s needs and risk level.
• Creation of site-specific security policies and emergency procedures.
• Consultation costs for experts in threat analysis and risk mitigation.
• Planning and documentation for future security infrastructure upgrades.
• Evaluating strategies to deter, detect, delay, and respond to threats effectively.

By funding expert-driven planning, Public Safety Canada SIP assures communities are better prepared, more resilient, and protected against hate-related incidents.

Training For Staff And Volunteers

When a crisis strikes, the first line of response is often your own team. But what if they’re not trained to handle it?

The security grant for religious institutions, SIP 2025, supports organizations in building safer, more informed communities by funding essential training for staff and volunteers.

Eligible training includes:

• Canada's Basic Security Guard Training
• First Aid & Incident Command System (ICS) courses
• Mental health awareness & de-escalation techniques
• Conflict avoidance & violence prevention modules

For community outreach, SIP Canada supports:

• Hate crime awareness & cybersecurity workshops
• Know-your-rights legal education
• Upstander and victim support seminars
• Refugee and newcomer integration training
• Translation and distribution of multilingual safety materials

By funding practical, skill-building initiatives, SIP 2025 empowers frontline teams to protect their spaces with knowledge, confidence, and clarity.

How Much Funding Can You Get?

Through the SIP 2025 – Public Safety Canada Security Infrastructure Program, eligible organizations can receive substantial financial support to improve their safety.

Funding Limit:

Approved projects may receive

• Up to 50% of total project costs,
• To a maximum of $100,000 per project.

If your total project cost is $160,000, you may be eligible to receive up to $80,000 in funding. If your project is $250,000 or more, the maximum contribution will still be capped at $100,000.

Project Duration:

Approved projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving approval for the contribution.

Extensions are generally not granted; only projects that can be completed within the 12 months will be considered. Be sure to plan realistically.

How to Apply for the Security Infrastructure Program

Step 1 - Eligibility Check

Begin by verifying that your organization meets the SIP guidelines. Ensure your site, such as a place of worship, community centre, or private educational institution, is at risk of hate-motivated crime and meets the program’s criteria. Only eligible applicants can proceed with the application process.

Step 2 - Identify Needs

Before you can secure SIP funding, you need a clear understanding of why your organization requires it. Ask - What does safety look like for your community?

This step involves identifying specific vulnerabilities in your building or operations that could expose your community to potential threats.

The more specific and evidence-based your needs are, the more likely your project is to get approved under the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) 2025.

From entryway vulnerabilities to a lack of trained personnel or surveillance blind spots, this step involves documenting all relevant information, either through a professional security assessment or a vendor evaluation. You must clearly explain how your proposed project will directly address these issues and reduce the risk of hate-motivated crimes.

Here are two key ways to identify your needs:

• Consider a Professional Security Assessment

While not required, a third-party professional security assessment can help provide a thorough and objective understanding of your risks. These assessments, such as CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), Security Vulnerability Assessments, or RCMP’s Harmonized Threat Risk Assessment, are often offered by local police departments or independent security experts.

For example, a CPTED assessment is mandatory if your proposed project includes landscaping. If you're planning to install cameras or alarms, other assessments may be more suitable.

You can include the cost of the assessment in your Security Infrastructure Program project proposal; however, please note that it can only be conducted once a funding agreement has been signed with Public Safety Canada. After the assessment is submitted, your project can be modified to align with its recommendations.

• Get Quotes from Vendors

If you don’t have access to an independent assessment, another option is to get quotes directly from security vendors. Most vendors will visit your site, assess it, and design a solution based on their expertise, like installing surveillance systems, fencing, motion sensors, or access controls.

However, since they may benefit from the sale, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes to compare pricing and ensure their suggestions truly reflect your needs.

Remember, SIP projects can be multifaceted and involve more than one vendor. By accurately defining your needs, you increase your chances of approval or security grant for religious institutions, and create a safer, stronger space for your community.

Step 3 - Prepare Documentation

Once you've identified your organization’s security needs, the next step is to back your proposal with solid, verifiable documentation. These documents not only validate your case but also help Public Safety Canada assess your application more efficiently and accurately. Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the top reasons applications get delayed or rejected, so this step is essential.

Here’s what you’ll need to gather and submit:

Step 4 - Complete the Application Form

Once you’ve prepared the documentation, the next step is to complete the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) Application Form, available on the Public Safety Canada website (Access the Application Form).

The application consists of nine sections and may take approximately 60 minutes to complete, assuming you have all the required information and documents ready. You are allowed to complete the form over multiple sessions.

To avoid losing your progress, always use the same device, browser, and link. We recommend bookmarking the form’s webpage or keeping the browser window open until submission.

Important Navigation Tip:

• Use the navigation buttons at the bottom of each application page.
• Do not use your browser’s back or forward buttons, as this may erase unsaved progress.

Open-Ended Questions: 

Each open-ended response field has a character limit.

• You are not required to fill the entire space.
• Clear and concise answers are encouraged.
• Bullet points are acceptable.

Submitting Your Application: Ensure that all required fields are completed and that all mandatory and supporting documents are uploaded before submitting your application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Technical Issues: If you face any technical difficulties, contact Public Safety Canada at: ccsp-pscc@ps-sp.gc.ca.  

Step 5 - Submit the Application

Before submitting, double-check that your application is fully completed and that all mandatory and supporting documents have been uploaded correctly. Incomplete submissions will not be considered for funding.

Timing Matters: The Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) may operate under two different intake models depending on the year:

• Continuous intake: Applications are accepted throughout the year.
• Deadline-based intake: Applications must be submitted before a set deadline, as outlined in the Call for Proposals.

Make sure to carefully review the current Call for Applications on the Public Safety Canada website to understand the applicable timeline and requirements.

Final Checklist Before You Submit:

• All nine sections of the form are complete
• Supporting documents are attached
• You’ve reviewed your answers
• You are submitting before the deadline (if applicable)

Once submitted, your application will undergo review by Public Safety Canada. Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for your records.

Step 6 - Await Review

Once submitted, your application enters the review phase. Public Safety Canada will assess each proposal for eligibility, completeness, and alignment with the program’s objectives. Keep in mind that funding is limited and awarded based on a combination of risk, demonstrated need, and the available federal budget.

Evaluation Criteria Include:

• A clear demonstration that the applicant’s community is at risk of being targeted by hate-motivated crime.
• Evidence of past or recurring hate-motivated incidents specifically involving the project site.
• The existing security measures are already in place, as well as the identified gaps.
• The organization’s capacity to successfully implement and manage the proposed project, including tracking progress, managing the budget, and meeting deadlines.

Applications that are incomplete or do not clearly address the above points may not be approved for funding. You will be notified once a decision has been made or if additional information is required during the evaluation process.

How Can SIP Funding Be Used?

The funding under Public Safety Canada Security Infrastructure Program is flexible and can be used for a variety of practical, safety-enhancing activities. 

Security Assessments

Engage professionals to conduct a complete risk or threat assessment and identify key vulnerabilities, forming the basis for informed and effective security improvements.

Security Enhancements

Grants may cover modest installation or upgrading of essential infrastructure such as:

• Surveillance cameras (CCTV cameras)
• Motion-sensitive & exterior lighting
• Security fencing, reinforced doors/gates, and locks
• Alarm systems and access controls

Facility Improvements

Make minor construction or building upgrades that directly address safety, such as creating secure entry vestibules, enhancing access controls, reinforcing windows, or installing barriers.

Staff Training & Education

Use funds for certified training for staff, volunteers, and community members in areas like:

• First aid and mental health awareness
• De-escalation and conflict avoidance
• Cyber safety and hate crime response
• Emergency preparedness & response

Project Evaluation

Measure the impact and effectiveness of your security project after implementation for long-term community safety.

Final Takeaway

The Security Infrastructure Program (SIP 2025) aims to fund community-based organizations to improve physical safety and reduce the risk of hate-motivated crimes. 

Eligible applicants include places of worship (such as temples, mosques, gurdwaras, churches, and synagogues), private educational institutions recognized by local authorities, and community centres (such as Indigenous Friendship Centres and local drop-in facilities). These organizations often serve as vital gathering spaces for spiritual, cultural, or educational activities and may be vulnerable to targeted incidents.

Funding is offered across several categories: 

• the installation of physical security systems like CCTV, locks, and alarms;
• minor building upgrades to improve safety; 
• the development of security plans and risk assessments; and 
• training programs for staff and volunteers to strengthen preparedness and response.

Coram can assist communities/organizations in identifying effective surveillance solutions and provide tailored security planning to support safe and resilient community environments.