Unlocking Cybersecurity Funding: How Grants Can Power Your Tech Upgrades

Let’s be real — cybersecurity can feel out of reach when you're juggling limited budgets, growing teams, and everything else that comes with running a small business or nonprofit. But here's the good news: you don't have to go it alone. There are real, meaningful funding opportunities out there designed specifically to help you strengthen your tech infrastructure — and yes, that includes cybersecurity.

As we head into summer, June is an ideal time to apply. Many organizations are midway through their fiscal year, and new rounds of funding often become available. Whether you need to upgrade your systems, secure your network, or comply with industry standards, there’s a grant (or three) that can help.

Why Grants Matter for Digital Security 

Cybersecurity isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s essential for protecting your team, your data, and your reputation. But the reality is that many small organizations underinvest in security until after something goes wrong. Grants can flip that script, giving you the resources to be proactive without pulling from your core programs or operations.

Types of Available Grants 

Here are some great places to look if you're just getting started:

• Federal Grants

  • SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

  • CISA’s Cybersecurity Grant Program

• State and Local Programs

  • Many states offer technology upgrade funding for small businesses and nonprofits.

  • Check with your state’s economic development office.

• Private Sector Opportunities

  • Google for Nonprofits: Free access to premium tools + cloud credits.

  • Microsoft Tech for Social Impact: Discounted or donated Microsoft products.

  • TechSoup: Grants and deep discounts on hundreds of tech tools.

How to Qualify and Apply 

Most grants look for a few common elements:

• A clear need for funding (e.g., to improve security posture, protect donor data, or comply with regulations)

• A realistic plan for implementation

• Demonstrated impact

That’s where Lockwell can help. Our platform automatically generates compliance reports, risk assessments, and documentation — all of which can strengthen your application and prove you're ready to put funding to good use.

Bonus Tips:

• Be early. Deadlines can sneak up fast.

• Be specific. Include how you'll use the funding and what outcomes you expect.

• Be bold. Cybersecurity is foundational — don’t undersell the importance of protecting your mission.

Featured List: Top Cybersecurity & Tech Grants for 2025

Getting Started

To help you prepare your next application with clarity and confidence, here’s a simple Grant Readiness Checklist you can use to stay organized and focused from day one.

Grant Readiness Checklist:

1. Define your project scope: Clearly outline the cybersecurity or tech upgrade you plan to fund.

2. Gather supporting data: Include security reports, risk assessments, or incident history.

3. Identify stakeholders: Who will be involved or impacted by the project?

4. Get your compliance house in order: Have policies, audits, and security controls documented.

5. Create a project budget: Include costs for tools, services, training, and personnel.

6. Draft a timeline: Show you’ve thought through implementation and follow-up.

7. Highlight impact: How will this funding improve outcomes for your team, clients, or mission?

8. Collect letters of support: From partners, board members, or community leaders if possible.

9. Assign a grant lead: Someone to manage the application and serve as point of contact.

10. Review past applications: Learn from what’s worked (or not) before.

Cybersecurity funding isn’t just for the big players. Grants can be a game-changer for small teams, especially when paired with tools like Lockwell that make compliance and security seamless. Take the first step by exploring your options — and let us help you get grant-ready.