Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). With an expected total funding of $1,064,000,000, the program aims to secure the nation against terrorism and catastrophic events. Applications are due by July 24, 2026, with the period of performance running from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. Only State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) are eligible to apply directly, subsequently distributing subawards to local, tribal, and designated urban area entities. The HSGP contains three main programs: - State Homeland Security Program (SHSP): Focuses on risk-driven state strategies. - Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): Supports designated high-risk urban areas. - Operation Stonegarden (OPSG): Enhances border security cooperation. Key funding mandates require at least 35% of SHSP and UASI allocations to support Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA). Additionally, recipients must dedicate at least 30% of their SHSP and UASI funds to five designated National Priority Areas (NPAs), which include soft target protection, task forces/fusion centers, cybersecurity, election security (minimum 3% spend), and border crisis response (minimum 10% spend). Notably, FEMA will withhold 20% of the total HSGP award from drawdown until the recipient demonstrates compliance with the FY 2026 Election Security NPA requirements. Allowable project costs generally span planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises (POETE), while the purchase of weapons, ammunition, and weaponized vehicles is strictly prohibited. Eligible entities must register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, and submit applications via FEMA GO.