Cybersecurity Funding

CyberOhio Grant Program

CyberOhio has opened applications for a Cybersecurity Software and Services Grant for local government entities.

• Public libraries are eligible to apply for up to $20,000 to fund specific cybersecurity software and services.
• Grant recipients must contribute a 20% local match.
• Eligible projects include endpoint detection and response, multi-factor authentication, email security solutions, security operations center as a service, or consulting services to implement security controls. Example products and services are listed in the Grant Application Guidance, but other similar solutions are also eligible.
• Applicants can submit only one application, but may request funding for multiple projects.
• Applications are open from July 22 - September 16, 2024.
• Grant projects must be completed between December 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026.

More information, including guidance and a sample application, are available at CyberOhio

E-Rate Cybersecurity Pilot Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated a portion of the Universal Service Fund (USF) to establish a cybersecurity pilot program. The program will require an initial application, and a pilot program cohort will be selected from the initial applicant pool. Applicants may be individual libraries, library systems, or library consortia. Selected libraries are eligible for a pre-discount budget of $15,000 per site, up to $175,000 for a system or consortium consisting of 12 or more sites. That budget re-sets each year for the 3 years of the pilot program ($45,000 per site for the duration of the pilot program or $525,000 for an applicant with 12 or more sites).

A full overview of the pilot program can be found on the USAC website.

For all of the details from the FCC, you can read the published rule in the Federal Register or the full Report and Order.

Program Comparison