The 2026 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Is Open

What You Need to Know

Funding Structure: Funding is allocated to each state and territory, not directly to individual applicants. States then distribute funds to local entities based on their approved cybersecurity plans.

Application Timeline: There is no single national deadline — each state sets its own application window and requirements.

Cost Match Requirement: Match requirements vary by year and state, but are significant and increase over time (often ranging from ~20% up to 40%).

Eligible Applicants:

• State governments (only eligible direct applicants)

• Local governments, municipalities, and school districts

• Tribal organizations

• Public-sector entities applying through their state

Program Focus Areas (Required Alignment):

Projects must align with one or more of the program’s core objectives:

• Cybersecurity planning and governance
• Risk assessment and vulnerability management
• Implementation of security protections (e.g., zero trust, MFA, endpoint security)
• Cybersecurity workforce development and training

Key Requirements:

• Projects must align with your state’s approved Cybersecurity Plan
• Participation typically requires coordination with a Cybersecurity Planning Committee
• At least 80% of funding must support local governments, with priority for rural communities