Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Over $9.1 Million in Funds Available to Strengthen Cybersecurity for State, Local Systems

Braintree — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that more than $9.1 million in federal grant funds will be made available to strengthen cybersecurity and reduce systemic cyber risk for public agencies statewide.

The Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program will invest $7,289,717  into local agencies, including cities and towns, regional school districts and other regional authorities. Single applicants may apply for up to $100,000 in funding, while multiple municipalities may jointly apply for up to $300,000.

State agencies can apply for funding through the State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program. A total of $1,822,429 is being made available, and applicants may request a maximum award of $100,000.

“Cybersecurity threats continue to increase in sophistication and frequency. In this ever-changing digital world, we must implement smart cybersecurity strategies and adapt our systems to meet the moment,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grant programs will provide state and local agencies with resources to effectively respond to and recover from a cyber-incident.”

“These programs allow us to meet our security objectives across the state. No one agency can achieve these goals alone; the programs launched today will support state and municipal agencies as they implement new initiatives to create a more secure Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) partnered with the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) and the MassCyberCenter to make grant funds available to support cybersecurity initiatives across Massachusetts.

The federal funds were awarded through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, offered by the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As the State Administrative Agency for grant funds received by Massachusetts from these federal agencies, OGR is responsible for managing and administering the grant.

In accordance with terms of the federal grant award, the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee was formed to guide allowable cybersecurity activities for the Commonwealth, its municipalities, and other public entities.

“In every conversation I have with a municipal leader, cybersecurity is a top concern, but they either do not have the dedicated personnel or funding to implement the most impactful best practices.  Our state agencies and municipal governments will greatly benefit from this grant program, which strengthens the cybersecurity posture from a whole-of-state approach and makes the services we deliver to residents more secure,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder, who as the Commonwealth’s Chief Information Office chairs the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee.

“Massachusetts is a global leader in innovation. Our adoption of advanced technology has vastly improved the Government’s ability to deliver more effective and efficient services to our constituents,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “Those same innovations have also exposed our operational systems and sensitive data to significant risk. I encourage eligible entities to pursue this funding opportunity and strengthen our collective defense against evolving digital threats.”

“This cross-secretariat collaboration is key to achieving our cybersecurity goals at the state and local level,” said Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Security Susan Terrey, the Commonwealth’s Homeland Security Advisory and vice-chair of the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee. “These grant opportunities reflect our commitment to enhancing cybersecurity, safeguarding infrastructure, building statewide cyber-resiliency and, above all, protecting our communities from harm.”  

“By securing these grant funds for the Commonwealth, we’re able to address some of our most immediate cybersecurity priorities,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “These programs allow us to partner with state and municipal leaders to promote enhanced cybersecurity preparedness and responses, helping ensure the security of the Commonwealth and its communities.”

Applications for both grant programs are due March 8, 2024.

Interested municipalities and state agencies can learn more about the application process during upcoming webinars offered by OGR. Additional information, webinar registration links and application materials are available by visiting the Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program page and State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program page of OGR’s website.

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