Fiscal Year 2026 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program

The Pre-Disaster Mitigation Congressionally Directed Spending Grant Program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA, through its Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division, has a long-standing role in supporting communities in reducing disaster risks before they occur. This specific funding opportunity is tied directly to Congressionally Directed Spending projects identified in federal appropriations legislation, reflecting national priorities for infrastructure resilience and hazard mitigation. The program builds on more than two decades of FEMA investment in mitigation, during which over one billion dollars has supported thousands of projects nationwide aimed at reducing long-term disaster costs and strengthening community resilience. The purpose of the program is to fund projects that proactively reduce risks from natural hazards such as flooding, wildfires, and earthquakes. These projects are designed to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure while decreasing reliance on federal disaster recovery funding. The program supports a range of activities including hazard mitigation planning, project scoping, and implementation of mitigation projects. It also allows for management and administrative costs, indirect costs, and certain pre-award expenses when properly justified and approved. The overarching objective is to enable state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to implement cost-effective strategies that improve resilience and ensure continuity of essential services. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately 189.7 million dollars, distributed across 125 Congressionally identified projects listed in the program appendix. The award amounts vary depending on the specific project designation. Eligible uses of funds include infrastructure improvements, flood control systems, hazard-resistant construction, planning initiatives, and technical assistance activities. However, funds are strictly limited to the projects identified in the Congressional directive and cannot be reallocated. Unallowable costs include lobbying, using funds as match for other federal awards, and activities not explicitly tied to the designated projects. All expenditures must comply with federal regulations and be incurred within the established performance period. Eligibility for this program is highly specific and limited to entities identified in the program appendix. Eligible applicants are state governments and federally recognized tribal governments, while eligible subapplicants include designated local governments. All applicants must have an approved hazard mitigation plan in place by the application deadline, except for certain planning-related activities where exemptions apply. Additionally, applicants must meet federal compliance requirements and demonstrate the ability to manage funds and implement projects effectively. Cost sharing is required, typically at a 75 percent federal and 25 percent non-federal split, with provisions allowing up to 90 percent federal share for qualifying small impoverished communities. The application process requires submission through FEMA’s Grants Outcomes system. Applicants must maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and Employer Identification Number, and complete all required forms including the SF-424 series and supporting documentation. Applications must include detailed project information, budget data, benefit-cost analysis where applicable, and environmental and historic preservation documentation. The submission deadline is July 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and late submissions are not accepted. Applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early due to potential delays. Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, completeness, cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility, and alignment with hazard mitigation plans. FEMA evaluates whether projects meet statutory requirements and program priorities, including resilience improvements and reduction of future disaster costs. Additional review criteria include financial integrity, compliance with regulations, and avoidance of duplication of benefits. Performance measures for funded projects include the number of communities benefiting, successful implementation of mitigation activities, and overall benefit-cost ratios achieved. Awards are expected to be issued no later than September 30, 2026, with a standard period of performance of 36 months. Recipients must comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and performance reports. Post-award responsibilities include adherence to procurement standards, environmental compliance, and federal reporting obligations. For questions or technical assistance, applicants may contact FEMA regional offices or designated program support channels. This program does not operate on a recurring open competition model, as projects are pre-selected through Congressional appropriations, making this a targeted and time-sensitive funding opportunity.

Ensure hazard mitigation plans are approved before applying; demonstrate cost-effectiveness through BCA; align projects with FEMA mitigation priorities; ensure complete and compliant application documentation