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.
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.
About the Non-Profit Security Grant Program
Created by House Bill 22-1077, the grant program helps non-profits cover:
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Security equipment installation
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Emergency planning
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Staff training
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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.
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.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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