Equitable Funding
NOFOs, Process & Application Cycle
Additional Resources
Tribal governments may apply directly for Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant funds, and do not need to apply as subapplicants under the state. Tribal governments may, however, apply as subapplicants if they choose to do so.
Tribal governments need to adopt a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan to apply for and receive non-emergency disaster funds from FEMA assistance programs.
Review additional resources for Tribal Nations at FEMA's Tribal Affairs hub.
Equitable Funding
FEMA is focused on removing barriers to funding access, especially for disadvantaged communities.
The Hazard Mitigation Assistance program is one of several federal agency programs participating in Justice40, a Biden-Harris Administration initiative to prioritize federal investments benefiting disadvantaged communities.
FEMA set a baseline to achieving the Justice40 Initiative goals which prioritize delivering at least 40% of the overall benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Non-Financial Direct Technical Assistance
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance (BRIC DTA) provides tailored support to tribal nations that may not have the resources to begin climate resilience planning and project solution design on their own. Through process-oriented, hand-in-hand assistance, BRIC DTA partners with communities interested in enhancing their capability and capacity to design holistic, equitable hazard mitigation solutions that advance community-driven objectives.
Learn More About BRIC DTA
Economically Disadvantaged Rural Communities
Economically Disadvantaged Rural Communities (EDRCs) are eligible for an increase in funding, up to a 90% federal cost share/10% non-federal cost share. EDRCs are communities of 3,000 or fewer people, identified by the applicant, with residents having an average per capita annual income no more than 80% of the national per capita income, based on the best available data.
Grant Process and Application Cycle
Resources are available on each grant program's page that describe what tribal governments can expect before, during, and after the application cycle. The timelines for application can vary by award and project type. Learn more about the average timelines for disaster programs and non-disaster programs.
This program supports states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.
Note: Communities and Tribal governments who are interested in non-financial technical assistance may apply through the BRIC Direct Technical Assistance (BRIC DTA) initiative.
The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments.
The Flood Mitigation Assistance Swift Current (Swift Current) effort provides funding to mitigate buildings insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) after a major disaster declaration following a flood-related disaster event to reduce risk against future flood damage. The Swift Current availability window accept applications between June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024.
The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program complements and supplements FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant portfolio to support mitigation projects at the local government level and increase the nation’s resilience to natural hazards and climate change. These low interest loans will allow jurisdictions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering.
A presidential major disaster declaration makes HMGP funds available if requested by a governor or tribal executive in eligible communities in a state, tribe or territory. The amount of funding is based on the estimated total federal assistance, subject to a sliding scale formula. Funding is based on the estimated total or aggregate cost of disaster assistance.
Additional Resources
FEMA's 2022-2026 FEMA National Tribal Strategy outlines the agency's responsibilities to federally recognized Tribal Nations. It explores unified agency actions to build, enhance, and sustain FEMA's relationships with tribes.
Grant funds are available for pre- and post-emergency or disaster related projects. These funds support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research and many other programs.
FEMA's Tribal Consultation Policy, updated in July 2019 with input from Tribal Nations, outlines the process that FEMA officials use to conduct consultation with tribal governments. FEMA’s Tribal Consultation Policy Instructions provide guidance and direction for FEMA’s implementation of the Tribal Consultation Policy.
Trainings and webinars are designed to help FEMA regional partners and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments create effective hazard mitigation plans that meet FEMA’s requirements and reduce risk in their communities.
Tools and job aids are available to help applicants and subapplicants throughout the process of applying for Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants.