FEMA opens applications for $1.35 billion in climate resilience funding

Federal funds are available for communities to protect themselves from the impacts of climate change. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is opening another funding round of two major climate resilience initiatives with $1.35 billion in new grant funding aimed at helping communities protect themselves against increasingly frequent and severe weather events.

The package includes $750 million through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and $600 million through the Flood Mitigation Assistance program. These investments represent a significant expansion of funding enabled by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which committed more than $4.5 billion to these programs through 2026.

In recent years, climate-driven disasters from hurricanes to wildfires and floods have become more frequent and intense. These federal investments mark a crucial step in helping local governments strengthen their defenses against future catastrophes. The programs have already demonstrated success, with FEMA reporting that 67% of BRIC funds and 51% of Flood Mitigation funds from fiscal year 2023 reached historically disadvantaged communities.

The BRIC program includes several funding streams. States, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories can each receive up to $4 million for planning and staffing needs, including $2 million for hazard mitigation planning and project design, plus another $2 million for building code improvements. Additionally, approximately $451 million is reserved for a national competition focusing on large infrastructure projects.

To ensure broader geographic distribution of funds, FEMA has implemented a new 20% cap – or $150 million – on how much any single applicant can receive from the total BRIC funding. The agency has also set aside $50 million exclusively for federally recognized tribes, with each tribal nation eligible to receive up to $2 million.

FEMA is also striving to make the application process more streamlined and accessible. Some applicants, such as those located in Community Disaster Resilience Zones, will benefit from reduced cost-sharing requirements below the standard 25% non-federal match. FEMA will also provide technical support to communities and tribal nations that may lack resources for initial planning.

Communities interested in the funding will have through April 18, 2025, to submit their applications through FEMA’s Grants Outcomes system.

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