“Massachusetts synagogues, churches, mosques, concert halls receive $3 million in security grants”
By Rick Sobey | Boston Herald, published April 5, 2023
Synagogues, Jewish groups, churches, mosques, concert halls and other sites at a higher risk for hate crimes or terror attacks have received $3 million in security grants from the Bay State.
The Gov. Maura Healey administration on Wednesday announced the $3 million in state nonprofit security grant funding for 47 organizations.
Nearly half of the recipients are either synagogues, Jewish schools or other Jewish organizations. This security funding comes in the wake of the Anti-Defamation League reporting that anti-Semitic incidents have surged to a record high.
This state grant cycle included a new pilot program to help at-risk organizations with security personnel costs.
“Today’s recipient organizations contribute immeasurably to the life of our Commonwealth as nonprofits fulfilling unique missions,” Healey said in a statement. “The security enhancements made possible by this funding ensure their continued preparedness against potential threats.”
The Office of Grants and Research, a state agency within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, manages and administers the annual Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This year’s program is delivering $2.85 million to 36 at-risk nonprofits, addressing security vulnerabilities with equipment to harden soft targets. That includes bolstering security systems and door locks.
For the first time this year, the state piloted a new grant opportunity to help with the cost of security personnel. Eleven recipients received $150,000 for this purpose.
“All of us depend on nonprofit organizations like today’s recipients to provide safe dedicated space for the most important moments in life,” Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll said in a statement. “I commend the CNSGP recipients for their work to identify meaningful security enhancements to secure their premises, which range from a large, dynamic concert hall to serene houses of worship. Their vigilance gives all of us peace of mind.”
The 11 recipients that received grant funding for security personnel are: Chabad Lubavitch Inc.; Temple Emeth; Young Israel of Sharon; Gann Academy; Temple Israel of Boston; Temple Ohabei Shalom; Congregation Beth El Atereth Israel; Jewish Community Day School; Temple Shalom Emeth; Bais Yaakov of Boston; and Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
The 36 recipients that received funding from the annual Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program are: Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity; Boston Symphony Orchestra; Chelsea Jewish Lifecare; Citizens for Citizens, Inc.; Clinical & Support Options, Inc.; Congregation Beth El Atereth Israel; Congregation Beth Pinchas Chassidic Center; Congregation Shaarei Tefillah; El Buen Samaritano Food Program; Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc.; Gordon College; Highrock Covenant Church; Islamic Society of Boston; Jewish Community Center of Sharon, Inc.; Melrose Highlands Congregational Church; Reaching Out Furnishing Emergency Healthcare International; Ruth’s House; Saint John the Evangelist; Saint Margaret of Scotland Church; Saint Mary’s Parish; Self-Realization Fellowship Church; Society of Islamic Brotherhood; South Middlesex Opportunity Council; St. Agnes Parish; St. Agnes School; St. Camillus Parish; Temple B’nai Abraham; Temple Emeth; Temple Israel Boston; Transhealth; The Psychological Center, Inc.; The Wang Center for the Performing Arts; Trinity Christian Academy of Cape Cod; USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee Inc, DBA Battleship Cove; Uxbridge Church of the Nazarene, DBA Valley Chapel; and Veritas Christian Academy.
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