Before the sirens, during the storm, after the declaration.

Most FEMA mitigation grants flow through your State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO). Local governments, tribes, and special districts submit subapplications through the BRIC or FMA portals, but your state must sponsor the application. Contact your state emergency management agency first to get on their project list — most states have internal deadlines 60–90 days before the federal closing date. Homeowners and businesses cannot apply directly; your local government must apply on your behalf.

BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) is an annual pre-disaster grant for communities investing in resilience projects. HMGP (Hazard Mitigation Grant Program) is activated after a presidential disaster declaration — funding is tied to a specific disaster and requested by the governor. FMA (Flood Mitigation Assistance) is an annual recurring grant focused specifically on reducing flood claims under the National Flood Insurance Program. All three carry a 75% federal / 25% local match requirement and require an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan.

An approved FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan is a prerequisite for all HMA funding. Plans must be updated every 5 years. Check your plan's expiration date in the FEMA mitigation planning database. If your plan has lapsed or is within 12 months of expiration, contact your SHMO immediately — an expired plan makes your jurisdiction ineligible for HMGP funding after the next disaster declaration.

HMGP funds a wide range of projects: acquiring flood-prone properties and relocating residents to safer areas; elevating structures above base flood elevation; installing permanent flood barriers (levees, floodwalls, floodproofing); retrofitting buildings for wind or seismic resistance; developing or updating local building codes; and community-wide warning systems. A commonly cited study found society saves $6 for every $1 invested in FEMA mitigation grants.

HSGP provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments for security enhancements. It includes three programs: State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) for high-risk urban areas, and Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) for border security. In 2024, FEMA administered over $3 billion across HSGP. Applications are submitted through your State Administrative Agency (SAA) — typically your state homeland security office.