Oregon counties, Tribal governments and regional bomb teams have until 10 p.m. Wednesday to submit projects for the state’s fiscal 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program, a firm deadline that determines access to more than $2 million in formula-based funding.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s application instructions say late applications will not be accepted and applicants cannot revise a late or incomplete filing after the deadline to satisfy minimum eligibility requirements. Applications go through a state-provided Qualtrics portal, while combined cover sheets and any required support letters must be emailed to the department.
This is not a direct grant opportunity for residents or individual organizations. The state’s program guidance says eligible local governmental units must coordinate with their county or Tribal emergency manager. Only those emergency managers, their assigned staff and regional bomb-team leads may submit applications to the state. Projects omitted from the jurisdiction’s combined cover sheet will not be considered.
What the money can support
Projects must have a demonstrated connection to preventing, preparing for, protecting against or responding to terrorism. Oregon has organized the cycle around five investment areas: emergency communications and interoperability; information sharing; planning, assessment and exercises; soft-target hardening and counter-drone systems; and training through the State Qualification System. A separate application is required for each cohesive project, and proposals must describe the risk, the intended solution, costs, milestones and measurable outcomes.
The state’s funding methodology sets aside about $2.05 million in formula allocations for counties, Tribes and regional bomb teams. Every eligible jurisdiction receives a base amount, while county allocations also include a population component based on Portland State University’s 2025 certified estimates. The methodology lists roughly $1.77 million for counties, $192,948 for Tribes and $84,039 for regional bomb teams.
Jurisdictions may also propose regional projects serving neighboring counties or Tribal areas. Those applications need support letters from every named beneficiary and must explain how equipment, training or exercises will be shared. The application instructions give examples including shared barriers for special events, a regional Tribal exercise and a radio-tower upgrade serving multiple jurisdictions.
Competitive round remains on hold
Wednesday’s deadline applies to formula-based allocations. Oregon’s grant program page says competitive project applications are not currently open. State guidance attributes that pause to federal funding holds and minimum-spending conditions; the department says it plans to open a competitive process if additional funds become available.
Submission does not guarantee an award. State reviewers will first check proposals against Oregon guidance and the federal notice of funding opportunity. Qualified allocation projects then go to the OEM director for concurrence and to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for final approval. Applicants should verify that they receive a confirmation email and contact the state grant team before the deadline if the portal link or confirmation is missing.
