Complete guide to Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) funding

What is Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)?

Operation Stonegarden is a Homeland Security initiative designed to enhance and support better cooperation and coordination between the United States Border Patrol (USBP)/Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and enforcement agencies at the federal, state, local, tribal and territorial levels. The program offers grants to organizations to help secure international borders and travel corridors in the country, providing funds to agencies for approved assets and training.

Since 2006, OPSG has made tens of millions in grants available to successful applicants in local jurisdictions throughout the United States. Many organizations have shown interest in the funding to help improve their local security in parallel with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) long-term objectives.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about OPSG:

What are the program’s objectives?

In 2025, the program’s objectives provided a more focused directive on how to help further secure borders, prioritizing support for border crisis response and enforcement. Ambitions for OPSG include:

• Improving collaboration and coordination between federal, state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement organizations to improve border security
• Enhancing collective information and intelligence sharing
• Providing more training programs in immigration law and civil rights to local law enforcement officers
• Promoting joint efforts to secure borders and travel corridors, including land and water routes
• Assisting with additional costs associated with extra screening and processing during law enforcement activities

Who is the authority behind Operation Stonegarden?

The Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) is the authority behind OPSG, administering the program since its introduction. However, the initiative is part of the DHS, where the funding comes from the State Homeland Security Grants division.

How much funding is available?

The total funding available in the fiscal year (FY) 2025 is $81 million. The funds are split amongst the successful applicants, with the amount of funds awarded judged on the ​“risk to the security of the border and the effectiveness of the proposed projects.”

What is the previous year’s funding history?

The previous few years have seen slightly higher funding than the current. $90 million was allocated to the OPSG grant fund in 2022 and 2023, before dropping to $81 million in 2024.

However, the allocated amount has risen over the past few years compared to the $55 million allocated in 2015. Many lawmakers in the United States have pushed to double the grant amount, citing recent border concerns. Still, there is currently no information to suggest a significant OBSG increase.

Who receives the funds?

Federal, state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement entities are entitled to the funds, provided they meet eligibility criteria. However, the application process must go through the applicant’s State Administrative Agency (SAA), which will apply to FEMA on behalf of the applicant.

Funds will go to the SAA should the application be successful, which will distribute the relevant amount to the agency thereafter.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for FY 2025 was August 11, 2025, as outlined by the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The deadline for FY 2026 is yet to be confirmed. Contact your local SAA for information about the next cycle.

How can you use Operation Stonegarden funds?

Successful applicants can use the funds for a broad range of security equipment, training and personnel costs associated with law enforcement and border security activities. An agency that applies for the grant typically outlines how it will use the funds in the application and justifies its requirements.

Here’s a general overview of how applicants can use funds for OPSG:

• Intelligence support: OPSG’s primary funding goals are to enhance collaboration between USBP and local agencies to strengthen borders. Successful entities can use the funds for solutions that support intelligence sharing between successful entities.
• Security equipment: Funds may help provide additional security apparatus, such as border security cameras, access control and analytics platforms.
• Increase operational capabilities: The recipient can use funds to expand operational capabilities, including acquiring new equipment such as communication devices and public engagement solutions.
• Improve law enforcement: Assigned funds can be used for training programs to help improve law enforcement capabilities and skills within the agency.
• Regional security projects: Funding is allowed to support regional security projects, such as new boats for water corridor patrols.
• Interoperability: OPSG promotes interoperability between federal, state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement agencies. Distributed funds can help create more efficient joint operations, such as communication platforms and shared analytics software.
• Personnel-related costs: Agencies may use the funds to cover overtime expenses related to operational activities, such as additional screening or law enforcement activities.

There are many assets and skilling programs that agencies can use the OPSG’s border security funding to acquire. However, there are specific equipment and other items that assigned funds cannot contribute towards.

These include hiring new personnel, evidence-collecting devices such as breathalyzers and supporting operations not related to border security. Organizations also cannot use the funds for construction and renovation, or general information technology devices like personal computers.

How to secure Operation Stonegarden funding

All applications to FEMA for OPSG funding must come through the SAA, as it’s the only agency that can apply for funding. They will apply before the deadline, including information on why your agency needs funding and how personnel will use the funds.

However, entities seeking OPSG funding will need to send all their relevant information to the SAA. Here are five steps on how to secure funds from the grant:

1. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Every year, FEMA publishes a Notice of Funding Opportunity to detail the grant and update agencies on any changes to criteria or processes. They are available on the FEMA website for review, where agencies seeking funding are encouraged to read through the document and help ensure they understand application requirements and the goals and expectations of Operation Stonegarden.

2. Check your organization’s eligibility and tier

FEMA will only accept direct applications from your local SAA, meaning that all agencies and law enforcement entities that successfully apply for funding are subrecipients. However, there are still criteria your organization must meet for the SAA to consider you viable for the funds.

Applying entities’ eligibility includes:

• You are a law enforcement entity at the federal, state, local, tribal or territorial level
• In a state bordering Canada or Mexico
• In a state that has international water borders
• You have identified border security risks that funding can help mitigate
• The entity aligns with the security goals set out by FEMA
• You have active operations coordinated through a CBP office

It’s also important to know which tier your agency fits into so you can understand your eligibility. The system assigns one of three tiers based on the perceived level of border security risks in the applying region.

Here is an outline of the different tiers:

• Tier 1: Tribal or county governments that have direct land borders with either Canada or Mexico or have international water borders
• Tier 2: Tribal or county governments located next to Tier 1 locations
• Tier 3: Tribal or county governments located next to Tier 2 locations

3. Register the organization and complete the required information for your application

FEMA details the information required under the application and submission information. Applicants for the OPSG should read through the text to understand key dates and events for the application.

Organizations can determine their eligibility for OPSG funding through grants​.gov. If your entity is eligible, you should submit your complete application through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Grants Organization (FEMA GO).

Here are some of the key events to complete in the application process:

• Obtain a unique entity identifier number (UEI) for your organization.
• Get a valid employer identification number (EIN).
• Create a login​.gov account to fill out and complete the application for OPSG funding.
• Register your organization in SAM​.gov.
• Register and complete submission digitally in FEMA GO.

Applicants applying for the grant can find additional information on the application process in the published manual.

4. Apply to your local State Administrative Agency (SAA) office

As the SAA is the only institution that can submit funding applications, it will receive your complete application, which will determine your organization’s case. They will subsequently include your details on their application to FEMA.

5. Await response from FEMA and the SAA

FEMA will determine the application and award funding to the SAA based on risk prioritization from the information outlined in the submission. If successful, the agency will award your organization funds based on your security case.

Check your eligibility for OPSG

Operation Stonegarden provides law enforcement entities with an opportunity to enhance their capabilities through the grant. Successful applicants can purchase new equipment, upgrade security technologies and receive new training to help the DHS strengthen borders while building a more reputable enforcement agency.

The success stories behind the OPSG initiative justify why eligible organizations are encouraged to check eligibility and apply for the grant if they meet the criteria. The additional funding for your entity can have a significant impact on enhancing operational capabilities, helping create a more secure environment for your jurisdiction.