Days after a gunman killed 11 people during Shabbat services at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office announced on Monday that the city will administer almost $1 million in federal grant money to beef up security at religious organizations in D.C.
The grants will go to nine different nonprofit organizations “operating at faith-affiliated institutions,” according to a press release from the mayor’s office and the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Most of the organizations are Jewish.
The money has no direct correlation to the attack in Pittsburgh over the weekend—the winning nonprofits applied for the grants early in the summer, and award letters for the grants were signed last week. But all of the winners had to meet grant criteria showing they are a non-profit with high risk for a terrorist attack. The money they win can be used for “target hardening, planning, training,” and security equipment like cameras, locks, gates, and new doors, according to the release.
The maximum award amount is $150,000—several larger awards went to well-known religious institutions in the District. Adas Israel Congregation in Cleveland Park will get $150,000; Edlavitch Jewish Community Center will get $150,000; Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School will get $150,000; The National Presbyterian Church will get $150,000; Kesher Israel in Georgetown will get $140,000; Sixth & I Synagogue will get $81,500; New Bethel Baptist Church will get $75,000; the Washington National Cathedral will get $50,000; and the Jewish Policy Center will get $30,000.
The grants are a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. They are not new grants—the program has disbursed millions of dollars to D.C. since the aughts. The federal government chooses grant recipients, and D.C.’s HSEMA then administers the grants and makes sure they’re being used in compliance with federal rules.
A total of 18 D.C. organizations applied, and nine ultimately won a grant.
In the coming months, HSEMA will also host preparedness workshops for D.C. nonprofits, including faith institutions, according to the release.
In addition to these previously planned grants, Washington’s Jewish community has responded quickly to security concerns after the tragedy in Pittsburgh. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington committed at least $100,000, and is seeking to raise additional funds, to help “ensure that the immediate security needs of every synagogue and organization serving our local community are met following this horrific attack.”
On Sunday night, dozens of people gathered in Dupont Circle at sunset for a service honoring the 11 lives lost in the shooting. And on Monday night, there will be an interfaith service at 6:30 p.m. at Adas Israel Congregation. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland, and Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia will all speak, along with religious leaders.
