The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing financial assistance to eligible applicants for costs related to emergency protective measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance, available under the CARES Act, is crucial for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as eligible private nonprofits, to address immediate threats to life, public health, and safety. This program, often referred to as a pandemic assistance subvention program, allows these entities to apply for funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grants Portal.
Who Can Apply for Pandemic Assistance?
Eligible applicants include:
- State governments
- Local governments
- Tribal governments
- Territorial governments
- Eligible private nonprofits
These applicants must submit their funding requests to the Recipient (state, tribe, or territory) and then to FEMA through the Public Assistance Grants Portal. Recipients are responsible for administering the Public Assistance awards.
Steps to Apply for FEMA Pandemic Assistance Subvention Program
To streamline the application process, FEMA has moved the application online through the Public Assistance Grants Portal. Here’s how to apply for this pandemic assistance subvention program:
- Attend a Virtual Applicant Briefing: If you are interested in applying, the first step is to attend a virtual applicant briefing. Contact your state, local, tribal, or territorial government to find out about briefing schedules and how to participate.
- Create an Account on the Public Assistance (PA) Grants Portal: Visit the Public Assistance Grants Portal to log on and create a new account. For guidance on account creation, refer to this quick guide.
- Submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA): Once your account is set up, submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) through the portal. Watch this video tutorial for detailed instructions on submitting an RPA.
- Submit a Streamlined Project Application: After submitting your RPA, the next step is to submit a streamlined project application through the portal. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, and this video offers further assistance on submitting a COVID-19 Streamlined Project Application.
- FEMA and Recipient Review: After you submit your application and supporting documents, FEMA and the Recipient will review the information, including work activities and costs. They may contact you if they require additional information or have any questions.
- Applicant Signs Project: If your project is approved, you will need to sign the project agreement within the Grants Portal.
- Receive Funding: Once the project is signed and finalized, funding will be disbursed through the Recipient.
You can monitor the progress of your grant application at any time by logging into the Grants Portal. For any questions regarding the application process, applicants should contact their state, local, tribal, or territorial governments for support.
By following these steps, eligible entities can effectively apply for the pandemic assistance subvention program under the CARES Act and secure necessary funding for COVID-19 related emergency measures.
Related Resources
Updated April 14, 2020
