Next Generation Warning System Grant

The Next Generation Warning System Grant Program is administered at the state level by North Carolina Emergency Management, a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, using federal funding provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. The program originates from the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015, which directed FEMA to modernize and strengthen the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure. The grant is designed to support state and local efforts to build resilient, interoperable, and technologically advanced public alert systems capable of delivering timely emergency information across multiple communication platforms. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance alert and warning capabilities across North Carolina by supporting investments in systems, technologies, and processes that improve the delivery of emergency communications. The program emphasizes innovation and adaptability in response to evolving threats, cybersecurity risks, and changing public communication preferences. It supports integration with FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, which uses the Common Alerting Protocol standard to enable a single message to activate multiple warning systems simultaneously. Projects are expected to identify capability gaps and implement solutions that improve both reliability and reach of emergency alerts. Funding for this program is provided through a federal award totaling eight million dollars for North Carolina, with approximately 4.6 million dollars allocated for pass-through funding to eligible subrecipients. There is no cost share or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity. While there is no explicit cap on individual application requests, total requests cannot exceed the available pass-through allocation. Funds may be used to support a wide range of alerting technologies and systems, including but not limited to streaming services, sirens, satellite systems, internet-connected devices, and other innovative communication pathways. All funded activities must comply with federal communications regulations and applicable federal laws, including telecommunications restrictions. Eligibility for the program is limited to counties and federally recognized tribes within North Carolina, as well as a designated public broadcasting entity affiliated with the University of North Carolina system. Each eligible applicant is permitted to submit only one application and must propose a single project. Applications that include multiple projects or multiple submissions from the same applicant will be rejected. This requirement ensures that proposed projects are focused and aligned with program priorities. The application process is conducted through the North Carolina Emergency Management Preparedness Grants Portal, which is powered by Salesforce. Applicants must first create an account and register their organization within the system before submitting an application. The application window for the current funding cycle opens on March 1, 2026, and closes at 11:59 PM on April 30, 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted under any circumstances. Applicants are required to complete all components of the application form within the portal, and submission must occur before the stated deadline. Applications are evaluated by the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee, which reviews submissions for completeness, compliance with program guidelines, and the anticipated effectiveness of the proposed project. The evaluation process includes a scoring system with a maximum of 100 points. Projects are assessed based on how well they address identified needs, improve alerting capabilities, and align with program goals related to resiliency and communication effectiveness. The program operates on a defined annual cycle, with funding opportunities released periodically through federal and state coordination. While specific award timelines are not detailed, the program’s structure indicates a recurring funding opportunity tied to federal appropriations and state-level administration. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with statewide alerting strategies and to coordinate with relevant partners to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability of funded projects.

Ensure only one application and one project is submitted; verify completeness before submission; align project with alert system resiliency and effectiveness goals; adhere strictly to program guidelines and requirements