SAFE Perimeter
C-UAS Grant Program Assistance

Hosting a FIFA World Cup Event?

There’s a Grant for that! The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program is a new federal funding effort run by DHS and FEMA. It was created through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 to help states and local communities detect and manage drones that could pose a security threat.

The program provides $500 million total to improve the ability of public safety teams to spot, track, and respond to drones being used in unsafe or illegal ways—especially near major events and critical infrastructure.

For 2026, half of the money ($250 million) will go to the 11 U.S. states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and the National Capital Region (NCR). These areas have the highest security priority because of the size and visibility of their events. Prepare to apply by:

  1. Conducting or updating risk assessments tied to drone threats.

  2. Coordinating with state homeland security offices and law enforcement partners.

  3. Identifying technology needs that align with Detection, Identification, Monitoring, Tracking, and Mitigation (DIMT-M) objectives.

The other $250 million will be released in 2027 for all states and territories, to help build nationwide readiness for drone detection and response.

Who is eligible to apply for the C-UAS Grant Program, and what can the funds be used for?

Eligible applicants include state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments, along with their authorized subrecipients (such as public safety agencies, emergency management departments, or infrastructure authorities). Funds may be used to acquire, deploy, or enhance systems and services for:

  • Detection and identification of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

  • Monitoring and tracking UAS flight patterns

  • Data integration and analysis for situational awareness

  • Limited mitigation (counter-drone) technologies, as approved for select jurisdictions; acquisitions must comply with Titles 18 and 49 of the U.S. Code, ensuring lawful use and data privacy protections.

How will funding be distributed to FIFA host states and cities?

FY 2026, DHS/FEMA will allocate up to $250 million focused on World Cup and America 250 events:

  • Each of the 11 FIFA host states and the National Capital Region (NCR) will receive a statutory minimum under the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP).

  • Additional funds will be competitively awarded based on:

    • The SEAR rating of hosted events (1 or 2)

    • The scope and anticipated effectiveness of proposed projects

    • Interagency coordination plans between law enforcement, emergency management, and venue operators

What is the timeline for FY 2026 and FY 2027 funding, and how should cities prepare to apply?

FY 2026 (Priority Phase):
Applications open to FIFA host jurisdictions and the NCR, focusing on readiness for World Cup and America 250 events. Funds will be distributed before event operations begin.

  • FY 2027 (National Phase):
    The remaining $250 million will support nationwide capability building, emphasizing sustained C-UAS integration and cross-agency response coordination. DHS/FEMA will issue new guidance for this phase in late FY 2026.

SAFE Skies

Schedule a consultation and demo today to learn about drone awareness and mitigation for FIFA 2026 through the C-UAS Grant Program.