A dozen places of worship and religious organizations across the state will receive a total of $250,000, in additional grants from the state’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Gov. Jared Polis unveiled on Monday.

The grants, which were initially announced in June, have made available to organizations “at increased risk” of a threat following the attack on demonstrators in Boulder raising awareness about Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.

“Sadly, as antisemitism and other forms of hate and instances of violence are on the rise, we know that our places of worship, religious schools, and other places of gathering in communities face increased risk,” Polis said when the grants were announced. “This additional support will help ensure that upgrades are made to increase safety.”

The grants are part of the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, established in 2022 to provide funding for organizations that are at risk of terrorist attacks.

Awardees can use the funding for security equipment, planning, exercises and training, as well as hiring security personnel and making other enhancements.

“Every Coloradan deserves to feel safe, no matter how they worship and these grants can help provide the resources that organizations need to improve safety at their facilities. We are committed to supporting local nonprofits and places of worship to create safer environments for everyone,” said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kevin Klein. 

The awardees included the Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance, Denver Jewish Day School, the Jewish Life Center, Rocky Mountain Christian Academy, and the Denver Islamic Society.