CISA Cyber Security Awareness Campaign | DHS 21 CISA 128 CSA001

Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS 21 CISA 128 CSA001

The CISA Cyber Security Awareness Campaign grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DHS 21 CISA 128 CSA001; CFDA 97.128) is a discretionary funding program from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, administered through the Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the federal government expects to play an active role alongside the recipient rather than simply issuing a hands-off award. The overall goal is straightforward: strengthen cybersecurity awareness across the United States by supporting national-level outreach and education efforts that help everyday people and organizations make safer decisions online.

At its core, the grant is designed to fund National Cybersecurity Awareness activities that benefit the American public. The emphasis is on building practical cybersecurity knowledge and improving the ability of individuals and communities to protect themselves in a digital environment. The program description also makes clear that these efforts are meant to support a broad set of stakeholders, including states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and critical infrastructure partners, with the overarching intent of ensuring that every American has access to useful resources to stay more secure online.

A key detail in this opportunity is DHS's stated preference regarding who should receive the award. While the campaign is meant to benefit many sectors, including critical infrastructure, the notice explicitly indicates it is not the agency's intent to award the grant directly to a private critical infrastructure entity. Instead, DHS intends to fund a qualified nonprofit organization that can act as the central campaign organizer and publisher. In practical terms, the recipient is expected to serve as the campaign hub: coordinating with experts, shaping messaging, and distributing materials broadly and consistently nationwide.

The selected grantee would be resourced to carry out several major workstreams. First, they are expected to collaborate with both public and private sector entities that have experience in cybersecurity best practices, which implies forming partnerships and drawing on recognized expertise to ensure the campaign is accurate, relevant, and aligned with real-world risk. Second, the grantee is expected to develop national cybersecurity awareness campaign messaging, meaning the creation of themes, talking points, and educational content intended to resonate with a wide U.S. audience. Third, the grantee must publish campaign materials nationwide, which points to large-scale dissemination across channels and geographies, rather than a limited pilot or regional effort.

In terms of funding and scope, the opportunity lists an award ceiling of $549,996 and anticipates a single award (Expected Awards: 1). This signals a competitive, winner-take-one structure where one organization would be responsible for executing the national campaign framework and deliverables. The funding activity category is listed under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, which fits the campaign's focus on applying cybersecurity best practices and developing educational materials grounded in current threat realities and effective communication approaches.

Eligibility is limited to specific applicant types: public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The opportunity was created on May 19, 2021, with an original closing date of June 18, 2021. Overall, this grant is aimed at enabling a capable, mission-aligned nonprofit or eligible higher education institution to lead a coordinated national cybersecurity awareness messaging and publication effort, in close collaboration with experienced stakeholders, to improve the online safety and security posture of the American public.

• The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "CISA Cyber Security Awareness Campaign" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.128.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 19, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 18, 2021 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $549,996.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for DHS 21 CISA 128 CSA001

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: