Homeland security grant program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Headquarters Financial Assistance Awards awarded the Maryland Department of Emergency Management $14.319 million under the Homeland Security Grant Program (CFDA 97.067) on October 1, 2025, for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

The award funds state and local terrorism prevention, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency response capabilities across Maryland, including the State Homeland Security Program, Urban Area Security Initiative, and Operation Stonegarden components. MDEM, as the state administering agency, distributes funds to sub-recipients including county emergency managers, municipalities, local law enforcement, fire services, and nonprofit organizations to execute ground-level projects. The agency coordinates terrorism prevention and preparedness activities statewide across Maryland's 24 counties and Baltimore City, with administrative oversight at MDEM headquarters in Hanover, Maryland.

The Homeland Security Grant Program supports state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts to achieve core capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, mitigating, and responding to acts of terrorism. HSGP allocations to states and territories incorporate legislatively mandated minimums and DHS/FEMA risk methodology; all 50 states and the District of Columbia receive a minimum of 0.35 percent of total funds allocated under Sections 2003 and 2004 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended, with remaining funds awarded based on assessed risk.