Houses of Worship and other religious nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance to cover the costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairing or replacing facilities damaged during the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred from Dec. 10-11, 2021, in Cheatham, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner, and Weakley counties. The program is funded by FEMA and administered through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA Public Assistance provides federal disaster funding to protect and restore eligible public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings, parks, and even private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) and houses of worship, that have been damaged or destroyed. Funding is also available to reimburse eligible entities for emergency protective measures. Public Assistance is a cost share reimbursement program: 75% FEMA and 25% Applicants.
- Process to Apply:
- The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) will host informational Applicant Briefings for interested entities in Cheatham, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner, and Weakley counties. During the briefing, a TEMA representative will provide education on the program, program deadlines, eligibility factors, grant administration, and what else to expect throughout the Public Assistance Process. For the Applicant Briefing schedule and other information,
go to Active Disasters FEMA-4637-DR-TN.
- The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) will host informational Applicant Briefings for interested entities in Cheatham, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner, and Weakley counties. During the briefing, a TEMA representative will provide education on the program, program deadlines, eligibility factors, grant administration, and what else to expect throughout the Public Assistance Process. For the Applicant Briefing schedule and other information,
- Applicant Briefings/Training: Applicant Briefings schedule for this event is as follows:
Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 9:00 a.m. CST
Phone Line: 415-655-0001
https://tn.webex.com/tn/j.php?MTID=m417b4dfeb55e1ae44412bbe1ec95c5e6
Meeting number: 2310 250 8117
Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 2:00 p.m. CST
Phone Line: 415-655-0001
https://tn.webex.com/tn/j.php?MTID=mfcb64e0d6c28e888847ba121fe6e595e
Meeting number: 2314 835 2299
Thursday, February 10, 2022, 9:00 a.m. CST
Phone Line: 415-655-0001
https://tn.webex.com/tn/j.php?MTID=mf0caf299b6015d35cb034380aa755070
Meeting number: 2306 803 3877
Thursday, February 10, 2022, 2:00 p.m. CST
Phone Line: 415-655-0001
https://tn.webex.com/tn/j.php?MTID=me3c82b50eb1c1db0b1da2805a861013d
Meeting number: 2315 179 9494
Following the Applicant Briefing, interested parties must submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) within 30 days of the Public Assistance declaration in their county, which is March 4, 2022, for this mission.
- Applicant Registration Forms:
- For the West Tennessee region and state agencies, including Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley counties, click here.
- For the Middle Tennessee region, including Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Stewart, and Sumner counties, click here.
- Additional Application Information:
- Applicants will be asked to submit an IRS letter establishing tax exempt status or state documentation confirming nonprofit status.
- As with all nonprofit organizations, religious private nonprofits that provide a non-critical, essential service (such as a community center or daycare) may have to submit an application to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan before FEMA can provide financial grants for permanent work. FEMA can provide assistance once an SBA loan is denied or if loan is insufficient to cover damage repair costs.
- Additional Online Public Assistance Tools and Resources: