U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is to secure the United States from threats. DHS also houses U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Funding Opportunities
DHS funding opportunities
The Department of Homeland Security distributes grant funds to enhance the ability of regional authorities to prepare, prevent and respond to terrorist attacks and other disasters. Localities use grants for planning, equipment, training and exercise needs.
FEMA funding opportunities
These grants support our grantees develop and sustain capabilities at the state and local, Tribal, and territorial levels and in our nation’s highest-risk transit systems, ports, and along our borders to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate terrorism and other high-consequence disasters and emergencies.
Selected Programs and Initiatives
- FEMA Corps is a unit of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps for youth ages 18-24. This full-time, 10-month residential service program (with an option to extend for a second year) prepares participants for careers in emergency management and related fields.
- Law Enforcement Explorer Program provides youth ages 14-21 practical training and hands-on experience in law enforcement and criminal justice with posts at ports of entry and at Border Patrol sectors.
- Pathways Programs are designed to attract students and recent graduates to internships and careers in the federal service. Four programs are offered to accomplish this: Internship Program (PDF, 1 page), Recent Graduates Program (PDF, 1 page), Presidential Management Fellows Program (PDF, 1 page), and Student Volunteers.
- Youth Preparedness Council brings together youth leaders from across the country that are highly interested and engaged in advocating youth preparedness and making a difference in their communities, providing an avenue to engage youth population, taking into account their perspectives, feedback, and opinions.
Clearinghouses and Technical Assistance
- State, Local, Tribal Liaison Office provides catalogs, guides, campaigns, and training to help state, local, and tribal partners identify the impact U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies and initiatives have in local communities and help law enforcement understand community views and concerns.
- Youth Preparedness offers a guide for starting a youth preparedness program, tools, resources, and National Strategy to provide comprehensive disaster education to children throughout the nation.