Grants
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Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The EMPG program provides assistance to support a comprehensive all hazards preparedness system. It is designed to assist in the development and sustainment of emergency management capabilities across the prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery mission areas.
HSEMD serves as Iowa’s designated state administrative agency and the state’s emergency management agency (EMA). HSEMD receives Iowa’s designated allocation upon successful application approval. The state is not required to pass through any funding to localities. The distribution of EMPG funds from the state to localities is at the discretion of the state EMA.
There is a required match for EMPG. The federal share that is used toward the EMPG Program budget may not exceed 50 percent of the total budget.
Application period is CLOSED
The 2023 EMPG application period is CLOSED.
Contact
For more information or if you have any questions about the EMPG program, please contact Michael Cayer.
Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs
PURPOSE
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs provide funding opportunities for pre- and post-disaster mitigation. Together, these programs provide significant opportunities to reduce or eliminate potential losses to state, tribal and local assets through hazard mitigation planning and project grant funding. Each HMA program was authorized by separate legislative action, and as such, each program differs slightly in scope and intent.
ELIGIBILITY
Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants are provided to eligible applicant states, tribes, and territories that, in turn, provide subgrants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for consideration of funding. Currently, there are three sub-programs:
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
- Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program
- Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program
Iowa HSEMD HMA Funding Opportunities Briefing (YouTube)
Iowa HSEMD HMA Funding Opportunities Briefing (PowerPoint)
Iowa HSEMD HMGP Applicant Briefing (YouTube)
HMGP funding becomes available only when a Presidential Disaster Declaration is made. BRIC and FMA funding are available annually.
FEMA-approved local hazard mitigation plans are required in order to receive mitigation funding for state or local mitigation projects through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant program.
Contact
Hazard Mitigation Program Contact:
Dusty Pogones, State Hazard Mitigation Program Supervisor, or HSEMDMitigation@iowa.gov
Opportunity for Non-Financial Technical Assistance
If your community is in need of technical resources, including mapping and engineering analysis, in order to identify possible solutions to mitigate impacts from future flood events please see the bulletin for requesting help from HSEMD and our state and federal partners. A brief questionnaire can be completed here to provide additional information for review.
Flyer – Get Help to Understand Your Flooding and the Options to Address It
Applying for funding
- How to register in EMGrants and submit an NOI (YouTube)
- Process for applying for mitigation funding (PDF)
- First steps: Submit your NOIExcel versions of the Notice of Interest (NOI) form will no longer be accepted for mitigation funding applications. NOIs must be submitted through the EMGrantsPro web-based grant management system. If you are not already registered in EMGrantsPro, please follow the instructions below to do so. After you have registered, you may submit your NOI via EMGrantsPro (instructions on how to do this are also posted below).
- Submit an ApplicationAfter you have submitted your NOI, you may be asked to make an application.
Requesting Additional Access in EMGrantsPro (MB3)
If you currently have a username and password for the EMGrantsPro (MB3) system, you will need to request access for new grants. To do this, you will need to open a support ticket.
FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA Go) – BRIC and FMA programs
If you currently have a username and password for the EMGrantsPro (MB3) system, you will need to request access for new grants. To do this, you will need to open a support ticket.
FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) is a new grants management system that will support FEMA grants programs. The system allows users to apply, track, and manage all disaster and non-disaster grants. It also improves oversight and monitoring.
FEMA GO is continually being developed by the Grants Management Modernization (GMM) initiative, which is transforming the way we manage grants through modernization and consolidation of existing grant programs into one system.
FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO) for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
Additional resources include:
- User Guides
- Sub-application development guides
Click on the tabs below to learn more about the grant programs.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program is an annual nationally competitive funding source for disaster mitigation projects that typically opens up for applications in late September and has an application deadline of late December.
FEMA will establish the application deadline for states to submit their application. In order to meet FEMA’s deadline, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) must receive local intent to complete sub-applications by July 31, 2023. Submitting a Notice of Intent at an earlier time could be advantageous as more time is allowed for HSEMD to provide application development and technical assistance. HSEMD is required to review, provide comments on, and to rank each local application that it submits to FEMA.
For additional information, please see HSEMD’s Anticipatory Notice of Application Period (BRIC 2023).
BRIC program FEMA Guidance and additional resources
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS) Ratings and BRIC
The Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) assesses community building codes and their enforcement, with special emphasis on mitigation of losses from natural hazards. It is an independent assessment that results in a rating score of 1 (best) to 10, based on 2018 or newer versions of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).
The BCEGS rating score is one of the criteria in the Technical Evaluation of applications and can account for a significant portion of the technical score. To receive the point allotment for this criterion, a subapplicant at the local level (including those located in territories) must have a BCEGS rating between 1 and 5 (considered by FEMA as a disaster-resistant code) when the application is submitted.
For additional information about BCEGS and how your BCEGS rating, or lack thereof, can impact your application scoring and potential to obtain funding under the BRIC programs please see the links below.
- HSEMD BCEGS FAQs
- HSEMD presentation – Participating in the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) – Part 1 (YouTube)
- HSEMD presentation – Participating in the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) – Part 2 (YouTube)
- ISO -Mitigation Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS) Website
Build America Buy America Act (BABAA)
As part of President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, beginning with awards received on or after May 14, 2022, any infrastructure project receiving federal funding must source their iron, steel, manufactured products and construction materials from the United States. BABAA DOES apply to non-disaster grants (BRIC, FMA, PDM, EMPG, HSGP, others). BABAA DOES NOT apply to disaster grants (HMGP, PA).
For more information pertaining to the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) in relation to Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs please see:
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - ACCEPTING NOIs
DR-4483 is now accepting NOIs. The application deadline is June 30, 2022.
DR-4642 is now accepting NOIs. The application deadline is December 23, 2022.
Purpose
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states, local governments, and Native American tribes for long-term hazard mitigation projects after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters by funding mitigation measures during the recovery phase of a natural disaster. States receive HMGP funding when a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been made.
Planning
- HMGP Applicant Briefing – (YouTube)
- Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance (link to FEMA website)
- Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Tool (MS Word)
- Local Plan Status (PDF) – UPDATED MARCH 2019
Safe Rooms
Acquisitions/Elevations/Relocation
- Property Acquisition Loss Avoidance Report 2010
- HMGP Certifications Form
- HMGP Management Cost Election
- HSEMD Photograph Guidelines for Inspections Photos
- Local Match Resolution
- Minority Impact Statement Form
- Mitigation MA Cost Estimate Breakout Amended Sample Contractor
- Mitigation MA Cost Estimate Breakout Amended Sample Staff
- Mitigation Model Deed Restriction
- SF424 4 0-V4.0
- SF424B V1.1 Assurances Non-Construction
- SF424D V1.1 Assurances Construction
- Statement of Voluntary Transaction
- W-9
- Assurances Property Acquisition Projects
- Designation of Applicants Authorized Representative AAR
- Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program
Purpose
The Flood Mitigation Assistance program was created to assist States and communities in implementing measures that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). There are three types of FMA grants available to states and communities:
- Planning Grants to prepare flood mitigation plans;
- Project Grants to implement measures to reduce flood losses, such as elevation, acquisition, or relocation of NFIP-insured structures; and
- Management Cost Grants for the State to help administer the FMA program and activities
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program is an annual nationally competitive program that provides an opportunity for communities to initiate projects that provide mitigation of damages to NFIP insured structures. Repetitive Loss and Severe Repetitive Loss properties are prioritized for funding.
FEMA will establish the application deadline for states to submit their application. In order to meet FEMA’s deadline, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) must receive local intent to complete sub-applications by July 31, 2023. Submitting a Notice of Intent at an earlier time could be advantageous as more time is allowed for HSEMD to provide application development and technical assistance. HSEMD is required to review, provide comments on, and to rank each local application that it submits to FEMA.
For additional information, please see HSEMD’s Anticipatory Notice of Application Period (FMA 2023).
Historic Preservation: Found artifacts during recovery grant execution
Historic Preservation
In the course of executing your disaster recovery grant, you may encounter previously unknown cultural/historic artifacts. The Office of the State Archaeologist should be contacted if any archaeological deposits (artifacts) are exposed so that they can be investigated and the extent of the site determined.
Additionally, HSEMD and the State Historic Preservation Office must be informed to take proper action. In accordance with the Code of Iowa 263B, if human remains are unintentionally exposed, you must cease work immediately, secure the area, and contact local law enforcement and/or the county medical examiner. If the remains are determined to be ancient (greater than 150 years old), the Office of the State Archaeologist’s Bioarchaeology Program must also be notified.
See more information on Historic Preservation.
Property Acquisitions
Acquisition Projects: Forms and Resources
- Template Administrative Plans (Coming Soon)
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance and Guidance Addendum
- IDNR Environmental Review Link
- Property Owner Affidavit
- Template RFPs (Coming Soon)
- Procurement and Contract Checklist
- Federal Contract Provisions
- Statement of Voluntary Transaction
- Acquisition Source Document Checklist
- Tenant Relocation Worksheet
- Replacement Housing Benefit Worksheet
- Pre-Acquisition Demolition Checklist
- Assignment of Coverage D Form
- Model Deed Restriction
- IDNR Demolition Notification Link
- Demo Monitoring Guide
- Project Scope Change Request Form
Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP)
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety and Security Reauthorization Act of 2005 authorizes the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide assistance to public sector employees through training and planning grants to states, territories, and Native American tribes for emergency response. The purpose of this grant program is to increase state, territorial, tribal, and local effectiveness in safely and efficiently handling hazardous materials accidents and incidents, enhance implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA), and encourage a comprehensive approach to emergency training and planning by incorporating the unique challenges of responses to transportation situations.
The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant program is intended to provide financial and technical assistance as well as national direction and guidance to enhance state, territorial, tribal, and local hazardous materials emergency planning and training. The HMEP grant program distributes fees collected from shippers and carriers of hazardous materials to eligible Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) for hazmat planning and training.
HMEP grant funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. HSEMD serves as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for HMEP grants in Iowa.
Application Period is Closed
The local application period is now CLOSED.
Contact
For more information or if you have questions about the HMEP grant program, please contact Lisa Sexton.
Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
The Homeland Security Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of these sub-programs:
- State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
- Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)
- Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)
These grant programs fund a range of preparedness activities, including planning, organization, equipment purchase, training, exercises, and management and administration across all core capabilities and mission areas.
HSEMD is the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for SHSP and is the only entity eligible to submit application to FEMA.
Pass-through funding is made available by the SAA to eligible sub-recipients as sub-grants. Eligible applicants for SHSP sub-grants include local units of government, combinations of local units, tribal government, or other specific groups or organizations such as school districts, council of governments, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations. State agencies are eligible to apply to administer projects that benefit local entities.
Iowa’s notices of funding opportunities will be posted in EMGrants. Visit EMGrants online. Historically, not only is there a yearly grant funding opportunity posted, but previous year’s grant reallocation opportunities may become available. Viable and eligible projects for reallocation funds must not only meet the priorities of the grant, but also be able to quickly execute activity within a shortened timeframe.
Application Period is Closed
The application period for fiscal year 2023 HSGP sub-grants is CLOSED.
In times when the application periods are not open, review previous years’ objectives, priorities, and allowable costs by visiting FEMA’s website, specifically in the “Notice of Funding Opportunities and Supporting Documents” sections for each fiscal year listed. Visit FEMA’s HSGP page.
Contact
Please contact Tara Dowd for additional information on SHSP.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is administered through FEMA and consists of two sub-programs:
- NSGP-S: For nonprofit organizations located outside of the specific federal year’s UASI-designated Urban Areas.
- NSGP-UA: A sub-component of the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). UASI Urban Areas are designated each year within the federal HSGP notice of funding opportunity.
Iowa has been eligible to receive funding through the NSGP-S. HSEMD is the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for NSGP-S and is the only entity eligible to submit an application to FEMA.
Pass-through funding is made available by the SAA (HSEMD) to eligible sub-recipients as “sub-grants.” Eligible nonprofit organizations for sub-grants are organizations that are:
- Determined to be at high risk of a terrorist attack by the Secretary of Homeland Security, and
- Described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the same code. Please refer to the following links for additional information:
- Exemption Requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations
- Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization
- Tax Information for Charities and Other Nonprofits
Note: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not require certain organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues to apply for and receive a recognition of exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Such organizations are automatically exempt if they meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3). These organizations are not required to provide recognition of exemption. For organizations that the IRS requires to apply for and receive a recognition of exemption under 501(c)(3), the state may or may not require recognition of exemption, as long as the method chosen is applied consistently.
Iowa’s notices of funding opportunities will be posted in EMGrantsPro. Click to visit EMGrants online. In times when the application periods are not open, review previous years’ objectives, priorities, and allowable costs by visiting FEMA’s website, specifically the “Notices of Funding Opportunities and Supporting Documents.” Click to visit FEMA’s NSGP page.
Application Period is CLOSED
The local application period is now CLOSED.
Contact
For more information or if you have questions about the NSGP grant program, please contact Lisa Sexton.
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