DHS Cybersecurity Grant Program Funds Over 800 Local Projects Amid Rising Cyber Threats

A Department of Homeland Security grant program designed to bolster cybersecurity across U.S. state, local, tribal, and territorial governments has funded hundreds of projects in response to a surge in cyberattacks targeting critical public infrastructure. The initiative, which distributed $172 million across 33 jurisdictions, supports a wide range of efforts including policy development, equipment upgrades, and the hiring of cybersecurity experts.

The grant program, administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, is part of the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act. As of August 2024, a total of 839 projects had received funding. These projects align with the core cybersecurity functions outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, focusing on risk identification, system protection, event detection, response coordination, and recovery processes.

The Government Accountability Office reviewed the program and found that DHS adhered to all legal requirements in its grant evaluation process. FEMA and CISA used standardized checklists to ensure grant applicants met a set of 16 mandated planning elements. Applicants who were not fully prepared to detail their projects by the submission deadline were allowed to submit general investment plans, with DHS holding funds until further documentation was provided.

Feedback from participating states and territories was largely positive. Officials highlighted FEMA’s responsiveness in refining the application process. However, a recurring concern was the sustainability of cybersecurity projects once federal funding concludes. While some jurisdictions are pushing for reauthorization of the program, others intend to rely on alternative funding sources, such as different federal grants or their own state and local budgets, to maintain security improvements.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), GAO-25-107313, published April 29, 2025.

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