CISA and FEMA Announce $100M Cybersecurity Grant

A recently announced notice of funding opportunity, which includes two separate grants, promises more than $100 million in cyber defense for states, tribes and local communities.

The joint announcement came from two U.S. Department of Homeland Security agencies: the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“This grant funding ensures communities and our partners across the nation have the crucial resources needed to strengthen their cyber defense capabilities and mitigate risk,” said CISA Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) will provide $91.7 million. According to CISA’s press release, the funding will be available for cybersecurity improvements, such as planning, exercising and improving services.

Fifty-six states and territories are eligible to apply for SLCGP funds.

The remaining $12.1 million, provided by the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP), is set for tribal governments.

The TCGP was officially announced by the Department of Homeland Security in September 2023 to address cybersecurity risks.

“This unified DHS [Department of Homeland Security] approach enables innovative solutions that strengthen digital infrastructure and helps communities invest in meaningful cybersecurity improvements to protect the critical services they provide,” Gottumukkala said. “This is another example of investing in our communities while being good stewards of our taxpayer dollars.”

The announcement came just days after the city of St. Paul, Minnesota, was the target of a large-scale cyber attack, which triggered a days-long declaration of a state of emergency. The Minnesota National Guard was also activated to respond to the incident.

Learn more about the cyber grants.