DHS announces new round of funding for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

Key Takeaways

On August 1, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new round of funding for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). The SLGCP provides $1 billion over four years to state, local and tribal governments to implement cybersecurity plans and build resilience against emerging threats as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This funding round signifies one of the final allocations with the SLCGP concludes in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Counties urge Congress to reauthorize the program to help local governments further improve our cybersecurity readiness posture. 

How to apply

Applications for funds must be submitted by August 15, 2025. Eligible entities for this program are state governments, and the program structure design allows for local governments to receive 80 percent of the funding via either pass-through funding or in-kind services. The SLCGP requires that 25 percent of state allocations must benefit rural areas. Local and state governments have 48 months to complete projects and expend allocated funds. NACo encourages counties to coordinate with statewide cyber planning committees to prepare a proposal for the program 

Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity  

What is the state of the SLCGP?  

The SLCGP reauthorization is currently up for debate ahead of the September 30 federal funding deadline, and counties strongly support its reauthorization. Counties urge Congress to reauthorize the program to ensure operational readiness, as local governments continue to assume an increased role in preserving the safety of residents’ information and the security of critical infrastructure. 

NACo will continue to monitor the program and advocate for reauthorization of the SLCGP to secure future cybersecurity funding.