North Carolina Tier II Grant

The North Carolina Tier II Grant Program is administered through the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) program. This program is designed to support Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) across North Carolina by providing funding derived from hazardous materials facility fees collected during the Tier II reporting period. The funding is intended to strengthen local capacity for hazardous materials preparedness, particularly in planning, training, and exercises that enhance emergency response readiness. The program reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that communities are equipped to manage risks associated with hazardous materials incidents. The primary purpose of the Tier II grant is to expand and enhance hazardous materials emergency preparedness programs at the local level. Funds are specifically allocated to support activities such as emergency response planning, training initiatives, and related exercises, including those focused on fixed facility planning. The program emphasizes preparedness over operational response, meaning that funded activities must contribute to planning and training rather than direct emergency response actions. Equipment purchased under the grant must be pre-approved by the NCEM HAZMAT program and is restricted to training use only, reinforcing the program’s focus on preparedness. Eligible applicants include all active Local Emergency Planning Committees in North Carolina, typically applying in coordination with their respective counties or the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Applicants are limited to submitting one application per fiscal year, and each application must include only one project. Applications that are incomplete, contain multiple projects, or are submitted more than once by the same applicant will be rejected. The program enforces strict compliance with submission requirements to ensure fairness and administrative efficiency in the review process. The funding structure includes a minimum budget requirement of 5000 dollars per application. For single-county applications, the maximum award is 10000 dollars. For multi-county regional applications, the maximum funding is calculated at 5000 dollars per county, allowing for larger collaborative projects. For example, a three-county regional LEPC may request up to 15000 dollars. All awarded funds must be expended within the designated period of performance, and all goods and services must be received and paid for during that timeframe to qualify for reimbursement. Certain expenditures are explicitly prohibited under the program. Funds may not be used for salaries or employee benefits, operational response equipment, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles, or items intended as gifts. Additionally, promotional materials must be limited to printed or standard office supplies, and non-essential branded items such as mugs, coasters, or banners are not allowed. The program also excludes funding for activities unrelated to hazardous materials preparedness and response, ensuring that all supported initiatives align with the program’s core mission. The application process is conducted through the NCEM Salesforce grants management portal. Applicants must register for a user account if they do not already have one and complete the application within the designated application window. For the FY cycle described, the application period opens on December 1, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM on January 16, 2026. Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted. Applicants are also required to include detailed equipment requests with corresponding FEMA Authorized Equipment List codes to be considered for funding. The program includes informational and technical assistance opportunities to support applicants. A virtual webinar was held on December 3, 2025, providing an overview of the program and guidance on completing the application. Additionally, office hours were offered on January 8, 2026, to provide real-time support for applicants. Awards are anticipated to be announced by March 31, 2026, with a projected period of performance running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the NCEM HAZMAT program administrators via their official email contact.

Ensure only one application and one project are submitted Include all required equipment details and AEL codes Avoid prohibited expenses and incomplete submissions