Biden-Harris Administration Announces Funding for First-Ever State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
As part of a plan to make state and local governments more resilient to cyberattacks, the Department of Homeland Security announced a $1 billion grant program to make state, local, and territorial governments more resilient to cyberattacks. The grants, spread over a four-year period, will give local governments the ability to strengthen their cybersecurity arsenal, improve critical infrastructure, and see increased resilience overall to cyber threats. The application process is now open, giving applicants 60 days to apply for the grant.
It is important to note that if your borough or municipality wishes to apply for this grant, you must establish a Cybersecurity Planning Committee, with no less than one-half of the committee having professional experience related to cybersecurity or information technology. The committee shall assist in the determination cybersecurity funding priorities, and participate in the development, finalization and approval of the Cybersecurity Plan.
A local government that receives funds from this cybersecurity grant can use to the grant to:
- Implement the Cybersecurity Plan.
- Develop or revise the Cybersecurity Plan.
- Pay for expenses directly related to administration of the grant, but not to exceed 5% of the amount of the grant.
- Assist with approved activities that address imminent cyber threats.
- Fund any other activity approved by the DHS Secretary.