Homeland Security Grant Program
The Homeland Security Grant Program supports projects that help Tennessee communities prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other hazards. Funding may support eligible planning, equipment, training, exercises, and other preparedness activities that align with state and federal homeland security priorities.
The program is administered through the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority and supports local and regional preparedness efforts across the state.
Who Should Apply
Local emergency management agencies are the primary point of coordination for Homeland Security Grant Program requests in Tennessee.
Organizations, departments, or other eligible entities that are interested in requesting funding through this grant should coordinate with their local emergency management agency before submitting a request. If the request is not coming directly from the local emergency management agency, the entity must work through the local emergency management agency to request funds through this grant program.
Eligible Activities
Homeland Security Grant Program funding may be used for eligible activities that strengthen preparedness and response capabilities. These may include:
- Planning projects
- Equipment purchases
- Training
- Exercises
- Regional or local preparedness initiatives
- Projects that support terrorism prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities
All requests must meet applicable federal and state grant requirements and align with Homeland Security Grant Program guidance.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through TEMA’s EM Grants Portal. Guidance, deadlines, required documentation, and application instructions will be posted in the portal when each funding cycle opens.
Entities interested in applying should contact their local emergency management agency before beginning the application process.
Important Program Requirements
Projects funded through the Homeland Security Grant Program must follow all applicable federal and state grant requirements, including procurement, documentation, inventory, environmental and historic preservation, and reporting requirements.
Equipment purchased with Homeland Security Grant Program funds must be tracked and inventoried according to grant requirements. Agencies receiving funding must be able to account for items purchased with grant funds and maintain required documentation for monitoring and closeout.
Physical security projects may be eligible when they meet Homeland Security Grant Program requirements and are connected to approved critical infrastructure or other eligible preparedness priorities. Applicants should confirm eligibility before submitting a request for physical security equipment or improvements.
Radio equipment purchased with Homeland Security Grant Program funds must meet applicable interoperability, mutual aid, and technical requirements. Agencies should review current guidance before purchasing radio equipment with grant funds.
Resources
The following resources may help applicants prepare and manage Homeland Security Grant Program projects:
Questions
For questions about the Homeland Security Grant Program, contact your local emergency management agency or TEMA’s grants staff:
Gary Baker
Niel Chham