The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has announced more than $100 million in new funding dedicated to strengthening the cybersecurity infrastructure of state, local, and tribal governments. This latest investment underscores the federal government’s ongoing commitment to fortifying digital defenses across all levels of government in the face of evolving cyber threats.
The funding is administered through two major grant programs for the 2025 fiscal year:
- State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP): This program will allocate $91.7 million to state and local governments, supporting a comprehensive range of cybersecurity initiatives. These include the development of cybersecurity plans, workforce training, exercise programs, and hiring of cybersecurity professionals. Funds may also be used for projects that directly improve the security and resilience of essential government services.
- Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP): Recognizing the unique challenges faced by tribal governments, $12.1 million has been set aside specifically to support their cybersecurity needs. The program aims to help tribal entities develop tailored strategies to bolster digital defense and resilience in their communities.
The core objective of these grants is to help government entities enhance their ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity incidents. Applicants must submit detailed cybersecurity plans outlining their strategies for using funds to address current vulnerabilities and to build long-term cyber resilience. Collaboration is also encouraged, fostering the sharing of best practices and coordinated responses to digital threats across jurisdictions.
This $100 million in funding forms part of a broader four-year, $1 billion initiative established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program aims to incrementally distribute federal resources to state, local, and tribal governments through 2025, providing critical support as these organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks targeting public infrastructure and essential services.
