(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) announces the opening of the application period for the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), beginning October 5.

The purpose of the Fiscal Year 2026 HSGP grant is to provide funds to eligible entities to support state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events, and to prepare the nation for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States. The deadline to apply for the grant is Friday, October 16, 2026.

“Protecting Georgia requires strong partnerships and continued investment in the capabilities our communities rely on every day,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “The Homeland Security Grant Program provides critical resources that help our state and local partners strengthen preparedness, enhance security and ensure they have the tools and training needed to respond when Georgians need them most.”

Georgia agencies are eligible for funds in the following FY 2026 grant programs:

  • State Homeland Security Program (SHSP): SHSP assists state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism.
  • Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): UASI assists high-threat, high-density urban areas in efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism.
  • Operation Stonegarden (OPSG): The OPSG Program supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and local, tribal, territorial, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies. The OPSG Program fund investments in joint efforts to secure the United States' borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with international water borders.

Please access the Authorized Equipment List for a list of approved equipment types allowed under FEMA’s preparedness grant programs.

Applications will only be accepted online via the Georgia EM Grants Manager. GEMA/HS is the state Administrative Authority for this program. Applicants needing grant support should contact the GEMA/HS Preparedness Grants and Programs Department at (404) 635-7095, or by email at [email protected].

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.