Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program
FEMA's C-UAS Grant Program funds research, technology, and training for state and local agencies to detect, track, and mitigate unlawful drone activity, enhancing security for communities and critical infrastructure.
Funder: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $500 million total across FY 2026–2027; typical state minimums ~$3.3M; awards vary by risk/event and year
Summary: Funds state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts to detect, track, and mitigate unlawful unmanned aircraft (drone) activity to enhance public safety and critical infrastructure protection.
Key Information: SAAs are the only eligible direct applicants; 97% of funds must be passed through to local/tribal governments or public safety entities.
Description
The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, administered by FEMA, aims to bolster the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments to detect, identify, track, and (where authorized) mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, i.e., drones). The program supports prevention of unlawful or nefarious drone use that could endanger communities, critical infrastructure, and national events. Funding is provided for planning, equipment, training, exercises, and operational activities that build or enhance UAS detection and response capabilities, with a focus on both immediate security needs and long-term preparedness.
