By Meghan Jacobsen, Grants Development Associate
In March of this year, Senators Amy Klobachar (D-Minn.), Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), and Catherine Cortez Mastro (D-Nev.) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act. In the House of Representatives, this act is also led by Representatives Richard Hudson (R-N.C.-09) and Troy Carter (D-La.-02). If passed, this bill will modernize the national emergency response system, as well as coordinate interoperability and improve the security of 911 services throughout the country. These initiatives will improve PSAP cybersecurity while enabling 911 centers to process text, video, and data in emergency situations. This bill proposes the funding of grants to bring about these initiatives beginning in fiscal year 2027 through 2031. Should this bill pass, it will serve as a much-welcome injection of dedicated PSAP/NG911 funding on the federal level – which has been nonexistent since 2018 – to bring 911 centers into the 21st century. While we wait to see how this will play out in Congress, there are other funding options available to PSAPs looking to upgrade and secure their technology to better serve their communities.
Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant (SS4A)
Administered by the Department of Transportation, SS4A, was established to support regional, local, and tribal initiatives to prevent roadway injuries and deaths. Currently, fiscal year 2026 is the last year of funding for this program, and the deadline to apply is May 26th.
This program offers two types of grants: the planning and demonstration grant and the implementation grant. PSAPs are eligible to apply for this grant to develop a post-crash care plan or emergency communications programs, which are eligible activities, if your jurisdiction has a qualified safety action plan.
FEMA Grants
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers multiple grants that may fund 911 center projects. While funded at the federal level, many of these grants are administered on the state level, which means requirements and deadlines will vary by state. Eligibility requirements will also vary by grant program, and PSAPs may need to partner with another governmental agency to receive funding. These grant programs include:
- Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG): focuses on all-hazards emergency preparedness, including the evolving threats and risks associated with natural disasters. This funding goes to emergency management agencies to provide the resources to implement the National Preparedness System.
- State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP): supports initiatives to build, sustain, and enhance the capabilities needed to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism.
- Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI): fund the planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs specific to designated high-threat, high-density Urban Areas.
In addition, there are two more FEMA grants worth mentioning, both of which are administered on the federal level. These include:
- Port Security Grant Program: funds maritime security capabilities throughout U.S. ports.
- Transit Security Grant Program: strengthens security to address risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards specific to transportation systems.
Community Facilities Grant
If you are in a rural area with a population of 20,000 or less, the Community Facilities program, administered by the USDA Rural Development Agency, funds a plethora of community services in rural areas, including public safety and emergency communications. It is worth noting that priority of these funds goes to populations of less than 5,500 and lower-income communities.
This application process for this grant varies by regional location. You can find your region’s office here.
State Level Grants
There are many states that offer PSAP/911 funding; it is worth doing research to see what funding opportunities your state offers. Examples of state-level 911 funding include:
- Massachusetts PSAP Development and Training Grants
- Arizona 9-1-1 Grant
- New York Next Generation 911 Grant
- Illinois Consolidation and NG9-1-1 Grant Programs
- North Carolina 911 Board PSAP Grant Program
Ultimately, the landscape of 911 funding is shifting toward a more interconnected and technologically advanced future. While the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act proposes a massive move forward for PSAP/911 infrastructure and cybersecurity, it’s still unknown how the legislative process will play out on funding. In the meantime, public safety agencies must navigate the patchwork of existing federal and state resources. With a little research, the right project, and partnerships, opportunities to secure funding to modernize emergency communication centers are within reach.