The grant program supports detection and response to unmanned aircraft threats.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced $250 million in grants to 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and to the National Capital Region, to support improvements in preventing unauthorized drone activity. The grants represent the first phase of a $500 million, two-year federal initiative authorized by Congress in 2025.
The funding is part of FEMA’s new Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program and will support state and local efforts to detect, track, and mitigate potential drone-related threats during large public events.
“We knew we needed to act quickly to keep the World Cup safe from the rising threat of unmanned aircraft systems and that’s exactly what we did,” said Acting Administrator Karen Evans. “This is the fastest non-disaster grant program ever executed by FEMA with funds being awarded just 25 days after the application deadline. This efficiency is a testament to the Administration’s laser-focus on cutting red tape, getting resources into the hands of law enforcement, and protecting the American people.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Acting Administrator Evans as she oversees the awarding of public safety grants.
- For officials in FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security as they strategize security for the FIFA World Cup.
- For federal, state, and local law enforcement officers as they collaborate on airspace safety and crowd protection for large-scale public events.
Sources: Department of Homeland Security
