Overview
To keep pace with today’s dynamic and increasingly sophisticated cyber threat environment, local governments and local public entities in Massachusetts must adopt key cybersecurity best practices, take decisive steps to modernize their approach to cybersecurity, and advance towards a Zero Trust Architecture.
The purpose of funding is to assist units of local government with improving cybersecurity by reducing susceptibility to cybersecurity threats, reducing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and mitigating the consequences of cybersecurity attacks by enhancing specific cybersecurity capabilities.
Priority areas include:
- Development of a written cybersecurity incident response plan.
- Tabletop exercises (TTX) involving cross-functional staff members, including senior leadership of the applicant to exercise, test, and refine written cyber incident response plans.
- Cybersecurity awareness training – State agencies with a .gov domain or a network email domain owned and managed by a state unit of government are eligible to apply under this objective.
- Migration to the .gov internet domain.
- Implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Eligibility
Only a Massachusetts local unit of government (e.g., municipalities, regional school districts, regional water authorities) is eligible to apply under this grant program.
A municipality may submit a joint application that includes other municipalities in an effort to streamline the grant administrative process for itself and neighboring or nearby communities. Up to 10 municipalities may participate in a joint application.
Key Dates and Materials
Key Dates:
| AGF POSTED | February 9, 2024 |
Application Assistance Webinar (Optional) | February 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. Register at After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. |
| Application Due Date | 4:00 p.m. March 8, 2024 |
| Award Notification (anticipated) | May 2024 |
| Performance Period | May 2024 - June 30, 2025 |
Application Materials:
Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program AGF
Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Online Application
Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Budget Worksheet
Additional Materials:
Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Webinar Recording
Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Applicant Assistance Webinar Presentation
Cybersecurity Funding for State Agencies
The Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is open only to units of local government. State agencies may apply for funding through the State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program.
Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee
In accordance with terms of this federal grant program, the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee was formed to guide allowable cybersecurity activities for the Commonwealth, its municipalities and other public entities. The Committee is composed of stakeholder representatives and chaired by the Commonwealth's Chief Information Officer. The panel is responsible for directing the use of SLCGP funds.