Gov. Polis Adds $250K to Boost Protection for Places of Worship Amid Rising Hate Crimes

DENVER (KDVR) — Governor Jared Polis has announced an immediate $250,000 in extra funding to strengthen security at synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship that are increasingly targeted in hate crimes.

“Colorado respects everyone, it’s a Colorado for all,” Polis told FOX31.

This move comes as the FBI reports that anti-Jewish hate crimes in the U.S. have reached an all-time high, with Colorado seeing a 63% rise in religion-based hate crimes from 2022 to 2023 — 33 of which were reported in the state last year alone.

“Many people are worried about whether their kids, their families, can safely go to synagogue to church,” said Polis.

Fast-Track Support for At-Risk Communities

The newly allocated $250,000 will be added to Colorado’s Non-Profit Security Grant Program, helping fast-track security upgrades for at-risk places of worship. It comes from a special state fund originally set aside for COVID-19 recovery needs.

See also  Judge blocks Colorado governor from ordering state official to provide information to ICE

In 2024, the state had already pledged $1 million through the program to support 21 Colorado non-profits in improving their security measures.

“We want to make sure people are safe — at synagogue, mosque, church, or at a religious event or town square,” said Polis. “We want to make sure they have that peace of mind.”

Why the Funding Matters

Jeremy Shaver, Senior Associate Director of the Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region, emphasized how urgent and impactful this funding is:

“Very divisive public discourse and political rhetoric is having consequences,” he said.

Shaver also noted that houses of worship often serve broader roles in their communities — functioning as schools, childcare centers, community spaces, and even polling places. Their safety, he said, is a matter of public safety for everyone.

See also  More than 1,600 Immigrants Detained Across Southern California This Month, Says DHS

About the Non-Profit Security Grant Program

Created by House Bill 22-1077, the grant program helps non-profits cover:

  • Security equipment installation

  • Emergency planning

  • Staff training

  • Safety exercises

The $1 million in annual state funding becomes available each fiscal year starting July 1. However, non-profits can only access this money if they apply for but are denied federal security funding under the same program.

See also  Judge blocks Colorado governor from ordering state official to provide information to ICE

This new $250,000 is designed to bypass those delays and get critical support to high-risk communities more quickly.

Gov. Polis’s administration continues to prioritize security for Colorado’s most vulnerable communities — reinforcing that hate and violence have no place in the state.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *