How to apply for Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding

What is the Urban Area Security Initiative?

The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) is a program established by the DHS that provides grants to high-density urban areas to improve security and mitigate public safety threats. 

The initiative, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was launched in 2003 to provide local agencies with resources to help mitigate and respond to the unique security threats and risks of urban areas. Unlike other DHS grant programs, the initiative explicitly targets preparedness and response capabilities in metropolitan regions.

UASI has provided grants to law enforcement, state agencies and non-profit organizations for more than two decades across 64 metropolitan areas. Congressional funds allocated to the program have increased steadily since its inception, totaling $553.3 million as of 2025.

Although Congress reduced allocated funds in 2023, the program has been an important initiative to enhance security in urban areas facing unique threats and risks. Today, many local agencies apply for funding to help expand their operational capabilities in parallel with DHS security goals.

Common threats to UASI cities

The DHS established UASI to address the heightened risk of terrorism and other security threats in urban areas. Today, the funding covers 44 cities in the United States, providing resources to local agencies that can demonstrate how they will effectively mitigate and respond to a range of scenarios.

Here are some of the most common threats to cities that the UASI program targets:

• Terrorism: The threat of terrorism has been a primary security concern for the DHS. The growing number of groups using attacks to advance causes has heightened the risk of potential incidents in urban areas.
• Natural disasters: Extreme weather events have become more frequent in the United States, increasing the likelihood that they threaten vital economic and social infrastructure in cities. Preparedness and effective response can help minimize costly damage and disruptions in the event of a natural disaster.
• Cyberattacks: As technology advances, the risks posed to mission-critical infrastructure have increased significantly. For urban areas that are more dependent on digital platforms for operations, there is a greater focus on mitigating cybersecurity threats.
• Response capabilities: Many urban areas have limited resources, leaving organizations unable to respond adequately to emergencies. Limited response capabilities may increase the risk to lives and community infrastructure.
• Public obstructions: Individuals and groups seeking to obstruct urban infrastructure, such as roads or railways, for a cause are a growing threat to cities. Enforcement agencies may need to expand their capabilities to minimize accidents or injuries during public safety incidents.

Eligibility requirements for UASI 

All 56 states and territories are eligible to apply for Homeland Security Grant Programs (HSGP). However, FEMA determines which areas are high-risk for UASI applications using the National Risk and Capability Assessment (NRCA) methodology.

It’s important to note that all UASI grant applications must go through your State Administrative Agency (SAA), which FEMA then reviews. As the local jurisdiction is responsible for processing applications, eligibility criteria may vary. Applicants should contact their regional office to understand the complete set of requirements.

However, most UASI applications will have the following eligibility requirements:

Funding allocation

Applicants for funding must demonstrate how they will allocate funds if their application is successful. Currently, the UASI criteria require 30% of funding to address five priority security areas, with the remaining 70% allocated to address gaps identified in the application.

Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) is a process that helps communities understand the security risks in their communities and how to address them. Applicants will demonstrate an understanding of threats and hazards by answering three questions:

• What are the most significant threats and hazards to the community?
• What impact would they have?
• What capabilities should the community have to mitigate those threats and hazards?

Stakeholder Preparedness Review

The Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) is an assessment conducted by the UASI applicant to analyze an urban area’s current response capabilities against threats identified in the THIRA. 

Organizations applying for the grant will explain how the funds will address security gaps and demonstrate how plans, equipment, training and exercises will facilitate more effective preparedness and response.

What does the UASI program cover?

Should an application be successful, the UASI program funding covers a broad range of areas to help meet objectives in enhancing urban security. While there are some exceptions, awarded entities may use the funds toward approved training, equipment and planning.

There is a responsibility chain for the management of funds, if approved by FEMA, in which the SAA will assume fiscal duties and the applying local entity will take action to address security gaps. The local jurisdiction will report to the SAA to request and justify funding, demonstrating how they use the award to meet program goals.

Here’s what local entities can use the UASI grant towards:

National Priority Areas

UASI recipients must allocate 30% of their grant towards improving the five national priority areas (NPAs) for urban security. While these may change in future funding opportunities, applicants must demonstrate how they intend to use funds to address each of them.

The NPAs for the 2025 fiscal year are:

• Soft-target protection: Enhancing security in typically crowded public areas, such as faith sites or educational institutions.
• Homeland Security support: Providing support for federal agencies in security operations and developing fusion centers to share intelligence.
• Cybersecurity resilience: Improving cybersecurity measures to make digital infrastructure more resilient against attacks.
• Election security: Implementing more measures to keep election sites secure.
• Border response: Supporting efforts to keep national borders secure and help mitigate threats from abroad.

Interoperability

Funding covers the development of fusion centers to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination between law enforcement agencies and organizations. The UASI grants help develop support for Homeland Security Task Forces and promote interoperability.

Equipment

UASI recipients may use funds to improve physical security in high-risk areas. Organizations can invest in more advanced technologies, such as AI-assisted video cameras or access control systems, to enhance preparedness and response to various potential scenarios.

Training programs

The program’s funds support training and exercises that enhance preparedness and response capabilities. As new threats to urban areas emerge, organizations can schedule regular training sessions to help ensure personnel have the knowledge and equipment to address evolving security risks.

Planning and preparedness

Grant funds support the development of emergency response plans, laying the groundwork for action in the event of an incident such as a terrorist attack. Responsible entities can regularly update these plans to ensure they reflect the current circumstances of the urban area.

How to apply for UASI grants

Law enforcement and state agencies, as well as non-profit organizations, can apply for a UASI grant. Although the grant’s criteria and terms are subject to change, it has been a recurring funding opportunity each year since its inception in 2003.

Many entities are interested in funding opportunities to improve their infrastructure to support operations in parallel with the NPAs. Below are the six steps to applying for a UASI grant.

1. Check your application eligibility

The first step to applying for a UASI grant is to ensure your organization is eligible for the funding opportunity. Applicants must demonstrate that funding will be allocated to the five priority areas for improving urban security, in parallel with DHS security objectives.

Organizations in all 56 U.S. states and territories, except tribal governments, are eligible to apply for the grant. However, prospective candidates must submit applications through their local SAA, which will forward the funding requests to FEMA.

2. Liaise with your local State Administrative Agency

As the SAA will apply to FEMA/DHS for the grant, contacting them can help ensure a complete understanding of the full criteria and expectations for your funding application. You can find the contact information for your local office on the FEMA website.

3. Ensure your organization has the required identification numbers

All HSGP applications must include a System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. If you have not already done so, you can register your organization on SAM​.gov.

4. Obtain necessary application documentation

Your local SAA will provide you with any forms or application materials required for your funding request. Take this opportunity to gather any documentation that could support your application, such as evidence of how your organization intends to use the funds towards UASI goals.

5. Complete the forms with the relevant information

Complete your application forms in detail to demonstrate that your organization can utilize the federal funds to address the NPAs outlined in the criteria. Ensure that you clearly state how your entity will use the funds in an Investment Justification (IJ), including permitted equipment purchases and training programs, to achieve the goals set for its fiscal year.

Ensure you apply early to allow sufficient time to develop a competitive application. The deadline for the 2025 fiscal year was August 15, 2025. A similar deadline is likely in the 2026 funding cycle.

Contact your local SAA to confirm deadlines and important dates for the UASI application.

6. Submit your application

Submit your completed application to the SAA for FEMA grant funding. The agency will then pass the application through the FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO) platform.

Enhance detection and response capabilities with UASI funding 

Local entities in urban areas apply for UASI grants to expand preparedness and response capabilities that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. They help agencies overcome their limited resources to invest in advanced equipment and regular training and planning that not only improve their operational capabilities but also help address DHS security targets.

UASI funding has contributed to many security successes throughout the United States. If your organization is considering applying for funding, begin the process early to create a competitive application.