Sen. Slap Approves $10M for Security at Houses of Worship

HARTFORD – On the last day of the 2025 Legislative Session, State Senator Derek Slap voted to bond another $10 million into the Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CT-NSGP) to help protect houses of worship.

In 2019, Sen. Slap and State Senator Saud Anwar introduced a bill that created the grant program through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Since then, the state has allocated $10 million in grants, and applications continue to flood the program. This program was created amid a rise of hate crimes and violent incidents in houses of worship in recent years.

CT-NSGP provides reimbursement for nonprofits, including houses of worship, that have undergone security enhancements. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations that are at heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime, or violent act.

“No one should be afraid to attend services and I am pleased that this funding will help ensure everyone can practice their faith freely, comfortably and safely,” said Sen. Slap. “Our Jewish friends and neighbors have faced a frightening increase in antisemitism, particularly in the last several months, and I am proud to stand alongside them and denounce hate of all kinds.”

The $10 million bond allocation must next be approved by the State Bond Commission.