Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG, American Rescue Plan Act)
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Purpose
To provide state, local, tribal and territorial emergency management agencies with the resources required for implementation of the National Preparedness System and works toward the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. The EMPG’s allowable costs support efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across the prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery mission areas.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include state, local, Tribal and territorial emergency management agencies, with each agency submitting only one application. Recipients must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Non-territorial recipients must belong to, be located in, or act as an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) temporary member state.
Decarbonization Considerations
The EPMG program focuses on all-hazards emergency preparedness and is designed to build and sustain core capabilities. Consider resilience hubs and resilience facilities with solar and storage equipment, which is an allowable equipment expense. Decarbonization strategies may include disaster preparedness projects that include battery storage systems and microgrids with carbon-free generating resources.
Equity Considerations
EPMG Program grants may be used to foster whole community preparedness. Examples given in the Preparedness Grants Manual including planning with stakeholders who may face particular challenges in the aftermath of a disaster, such as seniors and those with accessibility and functional needs.
Helpful Tips
The FY21 NOFO may be viewed here: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/emergency-management-performance/fy-22-nofo#eligibility More information on eligible activities may be found in the Preparedness Grants Manual: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual
Other Notes
Emergency Management Performance Grants are allocated to 50 states and 6 other entities according to a formula. State emergency management authorities may then hold competitive sub-grant award process. It is unclear whether the additional EPMG funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will be distributed in a similar fashion. An EPMG application must submit a work plan and consult with the FEMA regional manager to ensure the plan addresses state and regional priorities. To determine eligibility for federal disaster declaration funding, please check FEMA's website at https://www.fema.gov/disasters/disaster-declarations.