Best Grants for Cybersecurity in Puerto Rico

State, tribal, and local government agencies in Puerto Rico and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can seek funding to strengthen prevention, enforcement, and prosecution of cybercrimes against individuals. Focused on cyber and homeland security, the Office on Violence Against Women offers up to US $750,000 to enhance investigative capacity and protect victims of online abuse.

Studios, nonprofits, and other legal entities developing impact-driven real-time 3D projects that address cybersecurity or related UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those based in Puerto Rico, can seek up to US $500,000 in funding. Focused on social impact, Unity Technologies also offers technical support, marketing, and community connections for selected projects.

Interdisciplinary research teams using artificial intelligence for energy, environmental, nuclear, or cybersecurity-related science in Puerto Rico can apply for the Genesis Mission opportunity, with awards ranging from US $500,000 - US $16,000,000. The U.S. Department of Energy supports AI-driven R&D in areas like critical materials, semiconductors, and discovery science that may benefit cybersecurity efforts.

National Science Foundation provides Puerto Rico cybersecurity and engineering organizations with US $300,000 - US $1,500,000 to strengthen secure open-source ecosystems. Funding supports planning, establishing, or expanding managing organizations for open-source tools, and improving the safety, security, and privacy of existing open-source software, hardware, data platforms, and related technologies.

Students pursuing cybersecurity or related trades in Puerto Rico may be eligible for college or trade school tuition support through the Eugene Curfman Foundation Scholarship, which focuses on fields like cyber security, emergency services, accounting, and skilled trades. Administered by the Community Foundation of Carroll County, funds are paid directly to educational institutions.

Nonprofits, academic institutions, and other entities working on cybersecurity and related long-term risk projects in Puerto Rico can access funding through Centre for Effective Altruism USA’s Long-Term Future Fund, with awards from US $1,000 - US $500,000. Grants support research, ecosystem-building, governance, and seed funding for new or growing initiatives worldwide.

Cybersecurity and open-source ecosystem teams in Puerto Rico can seek funding to improve the safety, security, and privacy of their open-source products and infrastructure. With a mission to strengthen critical open-source ecosystems, National Science Foundation provides support up to US $1,500,000 for addressing technical and socio-technical vulnerabilities and enhancing risk management capabilities.

Graduate-level American and Australian students and researchers focusing on cybersecurity, emerging technology, or related security fields can receive up to US $40,000 for study between the U.S. and Australia. With a mission to advance security, technology, and diplomacy, American Australian Association provides funding for tuition, travel, living, and other research or educational costs.

Graduate-level students and researchers in cybersecurity, defence, or space with PhD or post-doctoral research plans and ties to South Australian or American institutions may be eligible for this international scholarship opportunity. Focused on advanced research exchanges between Australia and the U.S., the American Australian Association offers up to US $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living or research costs.

Graduate students and researchers in cybersecurity and related fields can apply for American Australian Association AUKUS Scholarships, including applicants from Puerto Rico, for study between the U.S. and Australia. Awards up to US $40,000 support tuition, travel, living, and research costs for eligible American and Australian citizens or permanent residents in graduate-level programs.

Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers conducting defence, space, or cybersecurity research between the U.S. and South Australia can receive up to US $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living or research expenses. The American Australian Association supports affiliated scholars with projects lasting at least three months at accredited universities or research institutions.

Minority-serving institutions with STEM research doctoral programs, including those in Puerto Rico, can apply for National Science Foundation CREST-RISE awards of US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 to expand research capacity and doctoral training in areas like cybersecurity and other NSF-supported fields. Funding supports institutional infrastructure, graduate programs, and equipment aligned with long-term strategic plans.

Nonprofit organizations delivering cybersecurity workforce development or capacity-building programs can receive support from Kyndryl Charitable Foundation, including those serving Puerto Rico if they meet location criteria. Eligible groups must be U.S.-based or have a 501(c)(3) equivalency, operate in Kyndryl core countries, be community-led, and measure results for data-informed partnerships.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions conducting Japan–U.S. cybersecurity or digital security projects may be eligible for this global partnership grant, including organizations in Puerto Rico. Japan Foundation supports joint policy-oriented research and dialogue on issues like AI, cyber security, digital transformation, and related technology topics that address modern societal and global challenges.

Graduate students in cybersecurity and related STEM fields studying at accredited U.S. institutions, including those from Puerto Rico, can receive $3,000 scholarships for tuition and course-related expenses. With a mission to support advanced studies in communications, electronics, and security technologies, AFCEA provides funding to full-time U.S. citizens with a 3.5 GPA or higher in eligible majors.

Puerto Rico schools and youth-serving organizations running teen technology competitions in areas like cybersecurity, software, or robotics can access funding through Glenn W Bailey Charitable Trust, with awards up to US $25,000. Eligible U.S.-based programs must demonstrate strong design, implementation, and outcomes for their competition to be considered.

The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation, fosters innovative research in multi-agent systems, resource allocation, and machine learning. It focuses on applications in energy, transportation, and robotics, while emphasizing the integration of renewable energy into power systems. EPCN also explores advanced power electronics, cybersecurity for grids, and the development of adaptive systems. This program encourages groundbreaking advancements in energy-efficient technologies and promotes collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Capacity Fund

The NAFC Capacity Fund supports investments that strengthen clinic and pharmacy infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to help NAFC members build the systems, tools, and capabilities needed to operate more efficiently, improve quality, and expand their ability to serve patients over time.

The Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund is a pioneering initiative empowering youth and intergenerational organizations to shape the responsible technology movement. With $1.5 million in funding, it offers grants between $25,000 and $200,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities. The fund focuses on enhancing human rights, addressing social issues through tech, and ensuring equitable access, while encouraging innovative and equitable solutions from youth-led initiatives.