Funding Updates & Opportunity Landscape
- Aaron Thelenwood
- Nov 18, 2025
- 3 min read
Federal Activity Resumes as the Shutdown Ends — and New NOFOs Are Already Dropping
With the recent federal shutdown resolved, agencies are starting to move again — and AAM-adjacent programs are among the first out of the gate. One of the most visible examples is the new Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, a $500 million effort designed to help states and local partners secure airspace ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other major events.
For airports and communities, the message is clear: federal NOFOs are coming back online, and the organizations that understand their role in AAM and airspace security will be better positioned to move quickly.
DHS C-UAS / FIFA World Cup 2026 Grants — Key Takeaways
The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program totals $500M across two fiscal years. States directly or indirectly hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 events and related America 250 activities — including TX, FL, NY, NJ, CA, GA, MO, KS, MA, WA, and PA — are prioritized.
The funding supports detection and tracking systems, command-and-control platforms, interagency data-sharing infrastructure, and deployments designed to expand beyond the tournament.
While Michigan isn’t a FIFA host state, the technologies being funded — detection networks, common operating pictures, interagency workflows — are the same building blocks that will underpin broader AAM operations and airspace management.
Learn more: FEMA C-UAS Program
Michigan’s AAM Statewide Mobility Challenges
Michigan’s AAM Statewide Mobility Challenges are explicitly focused on deployable drone and AAM solutions. Recent DNR and OFME FAQ updates reinforce that the program is centered on TRL 7+ aircraft, including fixed-wing VTOL and Blue UAS–aligned platforms.
DNR’s challenge emphasizes replacing non-NDAA-compliant drones, expanding wildfire and environmental monitoring, advancing BVLOS and shielded operations, and supporting data-rich AAM workflows.
Program link: Michigan AAM Statewide Mobility Challenges
What’s Expected in Q1–Q2 2026
With the shutdown over and the first wave of NOFOs active, several programs are expected to move in early 2026:
The second half of DHS’s $500M Counter-UAS program is expected in early 2026, supporting detection networks, command-and-control tools, and multi-agency airspace security. Even though Michigan isn’t a FIFA host state, the technologies funded here mirror the systems that will ultimately support AAM and BVLOS integration nationwide.
With the shutdown over, FEMA’s preparedness programs are resuming, including grants supporting emergency response tech, situational awareness tools, and cross-agency operational capability — areas directly relevant to airports exploring public-safety-aligned AAM use cases.
SMART Grants will continue into the next round in 2026, offering funding for advanced mobility technologies, sensors, digital infrastructure, and data-sharing systems. Many SMART-aligned projects overlap with early AAM readiness work, especially for airports preparing for corridor mapping, electrification, or BVLOS-adjacent operations.
FAA continues to advance airport modernization and electric aviation readiness through programs tied to infrastructure planning, safety technology, and early electrification support. These efforts align with AAM-related updates within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
What Matters for Michigan Airports Right Now
Across these programs, several patterns align with the readiness gaps highlighted in the AAM Readiness Index:
Infrastructure literacy: electrical capacity, utility coordination, realistic siting
Regulatory awareness: Part 107, COAs, BVLOS, future Part 108
Use-case clarity tied to local industries and regional needs
Partnership readiness with utilities, OEMs, operators, and universities
Internal alignment through an AAM point person or working group
Narrative readiness for grant and partnership opportunities
The end of the shutdown doesn’t just mean funding is back — it means the window is reopening for well-positioned airports and partners to align AAM projects with real program opportunities. Now is the time for Michigan airports to strengthen partnerships and prepare fast-moving concept materials ahead of the next round of NOFOs.
Published November 18th, 2025
By Aaron Thelenwood, Founder
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