Fiscal Year 2025 Next Generation Warning System Grant Program

The Fiscal Year 2025 Next Generation Warning System Grant Program (NGWSGP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This program is part of the nation’s efforts to modernize and enhance public alert and warning systems in response to rapid technological shifts, evolving cybersecurity threats, and changing public preferences in communication. FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) serves as the backbone for these efforts, and the NGWSGP is designed to further strengthen IPAWS by funding initiatives that expand the reach and effectiveness of emergency communication tools and strategies. This grant opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, allowing FEMA to work closely with recipients throughout the grant lifecycle. The total expected funding available under the NGWSGP is $40 million, with up to five awards of approximately $8 million each. Funding will support the deployment and integration of modern alert technologies such as IPAWS-compatible sirens, giant-voice systems, satellite and datacasting technology, and systems that reach digital billboards, streaming services, and internet-connected devices. Projects should emphasize coverage expansion in rural and underserved areas, integration with NOAA weather radios, field testing and exercises, and development of behavioral science-informed alert lexicons. Eligible applicants are limited to state governments and Indian tribes as defined in 2 CFR 200.1. Only one application per eligible state, tribal, or territorial emergency management agency is permitted. Subrecipients are allowed but must not include foreign nationals unless thoroughly vetted and compliant with all relevant federal security requirements. Subapplicants must submit organizational leadership details, short bios, and resumes of board members. There is no cost share requirement, and indirect costs are not allowed, although management and administration costs of up to 5% are permitted with proper justification. The application period opens on August 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET and closes on August 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Applications must be submitted through the FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) platform. Required documentation includes SF-424, SF-424A or C, lobbying certifications, budget narratives, work plan narratives, milestone schedules, and if applicable, a competitive subaward process description. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including vulnerability addressed, capability gap filled, proposed solution effectiveness, feasibility and implementation plan, and potential for learning and future scalability. Applications will be scored out of 100 points. Awards will be announced no later than September 29, 2025, with the project period running from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. Key performance milestones include identifying capability gaps within 90 days, conducting regional tests by June 1, 2026, and completing implementation by June 15, 2028. Quarterly reporting is required, along with ongoing collaboration with FEMA. Contact information includes the Office of National Continuity Programs (fema-ipaws-ngwsgp@fema.dhs.gov, 202-646-2500), and general support via the FEMA Grants News Team (fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov, 800-368-6498).

Submit early; ensure strong alignment with NOFO goals and detail each milestone clearly.