Homeland Security Grant Program

The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) is a federal funding initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with implementation at the state level managed by designated State Administrative Agencies. In North Carolina, this role is fulfilled by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety through North Carolina Emergency Management. The program is structured to enhance national preparedness and resilience against terrorism and other catastrophic threats by strengthening capabilities across state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. Within North Carolina, HSGP currently operates through two primary components: the State Homeland Security Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative, with the latter focused specifically on the Charlotte metropolitan region. The overarching purpose of HSGP is to support coordinated efforts that prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and high-risk hazards. The program prioritizes building sustainable capabilities through investments in planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises. These investments are guided by risk-based assessments such as the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment and the Stakeholder Preparedness Review, ensuring that funded activities directly address identified capability gaps and align with national preparedness priorities. Funding under the State Homeland Security Program is distributed to all states and territories based on a combination of formula allocations, risk assessments, and demonstrated effectiveness. This funding supports strategic initiatives outlined in state homeland security plans and focuses on enhancing core capabilities across jurisdictions. In North Carolina, the fiscal year allocation for this component reached over four million dollars, supporting a wide range of preparedness activities at both state and local levels. The Urban Area Security Initiative, by contrast, targets high-density urban areas facing elevated terrorism risk. In North Carolina, only the Charlotte area qualifies, encompassing multiple counties across both North Carolina and South Carolina. This regional approach promotes interagency coordination and infrastructure protection in high-risk environments. HSGP funding is governed by National Priority Areas that guide investment decisions. These include protecting soft targets and crowded places, strengthening cybersecurity resilience, supporting fusion centers and homeland security task forces, enhancing election security, and addressing border crisis response and enforcement. States are required to allocate a minimum percentage of funding across these priority areas, with specific minimums for election security and border response. The program allows flexibility in how funds are distributed among these priorities, including permitting activities that support multiple objectives to be categorized under a single investment justification. Eligibility for HSGP funding is limited and structured. Only the State Administrative Agency may submit applications directly to the federal government. Local government entities and tribal governments cannot apply independently but may receive funding through state-administered processes if their proposed projects are approved through regional coordination structures such as Domestic Preparedness Regions. This layered approach ensures alignment with statewide priorities and coordinated investment strategies. Tribal governments may also access funding indirectly through the state, reinforcing inclusive participation while maintaining centralized oversight. The application process for HSGP involves coordination at multiple levels. Eligible entities must first engage with their regional preparedness structures or relevant state offices to develop and gain approval for project proposals. These proposals are then incorporated into the state’s consolidated application submitted to FEMA. Deadlines and application cycles are determined annually, and for the most recent cycle referenced, applications were closed. Future opportunities depend on federal appropriations and state-level announcements, requiring prospective applicants to maintain communication with state emergency management authorities for updates. There is no cost share or matching requirement associated with HSGP funding for the referenced fiscal year, which lowers barriers to participation for eligible entities. The program emphasizes strategic alignment, measurable outcomes, and compliance with federal guidelines. Awards are typically followed by defined performance periods during which recipients must implement approved projects and report on progress. Overall, HSGP represents a critical mechanism for strengthening national security preparedness through coordinated, risk-informed investments at multiple levels of government.

Ensure projects align with THIRA and SPR identified capability gaps and National Priority Areas; coordinate early with regional preparedness offices