Homeland Security Foundation
Hours
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
except state-observed holidays
Indiana Dept. of Homeland Security
Indiana Government Center-South, Room E208
302 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
Call us: 317-232-2222
Email us: grants@dhs.in.gov
Visit us: Schedule an appointment online before you visit to conduct business with IDHS. No walk-ins will be accepted.
News/Updates
Foundation Awards on Hold for 2022
The Homeland Security Foundation will not issue awards (scholarships or grants) in 2022 as the foundation outlines a strategy for the future. As a result of declining revenue in recent years, the foundation is considering a variety of options, including expanding opportunities for citizens and corporations to donate to the fund. These donations support scholarships for students pursuing a first responder career and grants supporting public safety at the local level for lifesaving equipment, standard operational items and supplementing current capabilities. You can donate online or purchase a First Responders license plate to support the foundation.
In 2021, the foundation issued 31 grants totaling more than $116,000 and six scholarships totaling $10,000.
Upcoming Foundation Meeting
None scheduled
Meeting Information
About the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation
Funding for the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation comes from revenue from "First Responders" license plate sales. The foundation, one of the first of its kind in the nation, provides financial support for critical public safety needs across Indiana. The foundation offers a scholarship to provide higher education financial assistance for Indiana students who wish to pursue a degree pertaining to public safety and a grant program that supports public safety projects which are in alignment with local and district needs, with a focus on ensuring citizen safety.
- Members
Per Indiana Code 10-15-2, the voting members of the Homeland Security Foundation are appointed by the governor, and each Indiana congressional district must be represented on the foundation by a resident of that district. See the congressional district map
Congressional District Member County District 1 Vacant -- District 2 Phillip Johnson St. Joseph District 3 Michael Riehm Noble District 4 Steven Cain White District 5 Vacant -- District 6 Vacant -- District 7 Tom Hanify Marion District 8 Mike Duckworth Vanderburgh District 9 Jamey Noel Clark
Homeland Security Foundation Resources
First Responders License Plate
A Way to Say Thanks to Hoosier First Responders
On a daily basis, many of your fellow Hoosiers put your safety first. Members of the fire service, law enforcement, emergency management and emergency medical services from across Indiana make the well-being of their fellow citizens their top priority when called to respond to an incident with their expertise.
There is a way you can show Hoosier first responders your support and gratitude for their commitment to their fellow citizens. The next time you renew your vehicle's plate, ask for a First Responders license plate, or purchase one online.
The revenue from First Responders license plate sales funds the Homeland Security Foundation, formerly the Emergency Management, Fire and Building Services, and Public Safety Training Foundation. The foundation, one of the first of its kind in the nation, offers financial support for critical public safety needs across Indiana.
The foundation funds public safety projects at the local level. Local public safety organizations in your communities are eligible to apply for projects such as equipping emergency responders with personal protective equipment, acquiring equipment for use by emergency responders and training emergency responders.
Promoting Public Safety Careers
In order to promote the importance of careers in public safety, the foundation established a scholarship program for Indiana residents. Eligible applicants are students interested in pursuing a higher education degree and who volunteer with a local public safety organization. Scholarships at $2,000 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students can be awarded to applicants enrolled in an accredited college in Indiana.
Small Fee, Big Impact
The fee to receive a First Responders license plate is only $40, in addition to your normal vehicle registration and excise fees. Of the $40 fee, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles retains $15 for administrative costs with the remaining $25 going directly to the foundation. If you request a low-end number from one to 100 or a specific number, there is an additional one-time $30 fee.
By paying a small fee and purchasing a First Responders license plate, you can make a big impact by assisting Indiana’s first responders who help protect your loved ones, neighbors and yourself.