The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published funding opportunities in late June across seven preparedness grant programs, making more than $1.5 billion available for projects aimed at protecting communities against terrorism and other security threats.
More than $1 billion of the programs are being funded through Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) opportunities. The application period ends on July 24.
HSGP includes three separate grant programs: the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and Operation Stonegarden. Grant recipients are expected to use funding toward projects that include improving coordination among law enforcement agencies, strengthening cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, strengthening election security, supporting border security efforts or enhancing the protection of crowded spaces like concerts or parades, according to FEMA officials.
Examples of HSGP-funded projects could include replacing outdated emergency communications infrastructure, installing motion sensors or surveillance equipment in high-risk areas, and implementing physical and cybersecurity measures to protect election integrity.
In addition to the HSGP, FEMA made more than $500 million available through six additional grant programs focused on protecting the American public from acts of terrorism:
- FY 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which makes $300 million available to houses of worship, community centers and other nonprofit organizations.
- FY 2026 Port Security Grant Program funding opportunity, which makes $95 million available to port authorities and facility operators, as well as state, local and territorial government agencies. Recipients can use this funding to protect the nation’s critical port infrastructure from acts of terrorism and cyberattacks.
- FY 2026 Transit Security Grant Program funding opportunity, which makes more than $88 million available to protect transportation infrastructure, like city bus systems, ferries and passenger rail.
- FY 2026 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program funding opportunity, making more than $14 million available to tribal nations to help improve their ability to prevent, protect against and respond to acts of terrorism.
- FY 2026 Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program, making $9.5 million available to Amtrak. This program is designed to help Amtrak to improve the resilience and security of its rail lines.
- FEMA published the FY 2026 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program funding opportunity, making $1.9 million available to enhance the security of intercity bus systems. Recipients in previous years have used this funding to conduct risk assessments and install new equipment like video surveillance systems and metal detectors.
Photo by Francesco Ungaro from Pexels
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