Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program for Federally-Recognized Tribes in California

The Emergency Management Performance Grant Program for Federally-Recognized Tribes in California is administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services through its Homeland Security and Emergency Management Branch. This program is part of a broader national effort led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to strengthen preparedness capabilities across all levels of government. The initiative is designed specifically to support federally recognized tribal governments within California by providing targeted funding to enhance their emergency management systems and overall resilience to disasters. The primary purpose of this grant program is to assist eligible tribes in preparing for all hazards, including natural disasters and human-caused emergencies. Funding must be used to support activities that improve the tribe’s ability to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from incidents. The program aligns with the National Preparedness Goal and supports the development of core capabilities across five mission areas: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Projects are expected to address preparedness gaps and contribute to strengthening emergency management infrastructure and coordination. Eligible applicants are limited to federally recognized tribes located within California. Funding is distributed through a competitive Request for Proposal process, with a total program allocation of 186,601 dollars available. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with federal requirements, including registration in the System for Award Management and maintaining eligibility without debarment or suspension. A cost share is required for this program, with a dollar-for-dollar match obligation that may be fulfilled through cash contributions or in-kind resources. There are no waivers available for this match requirement. Allowable uses of funds fall into five main categories: planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise. Planning activities may include developing emergency operations plans and risk assessments, while organizational costs can support staffing and operational readiness. Equipment purchases must align with the FEMA Authorized Equipment List and comply with federal standards. Training and exercise activities must follow established federal guidelines, including the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program. Certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including weapons purchases, unrelated activities, and expenses outside the approved performance period. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package via email by the specified deadline. A key component of the application is the Notice of Interest, which must detail the tribe’s current emergency management system, proposed projects, timeline, budget, and approach to meeting the match requirement. Applications are evaluated using a structured scoring rubric that considers system improvement, project design, implementation timeline, budget detail, and match strategy. Additional points may be awarded to tribes that have not previously received funding under this program. The application deadline for this funding cycle is May 29, 2026, with proposals due by 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time. Only electronic submissions are accepted, and applicants are responsible for ensuring receipt confirmation. The period of performance for funded projects runs from June 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, during which all activities must be completed. Reporting requirements include quarterly performance reports and biannual strategy implementation reports, along with compliance with training and exercise participation standards. Following submission, proposals undergo a competitive review process, and funding decisions are made based on scoring, priorities, and past performance where applicable. Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome and may appeal funding decisions according to established guidelines. The program is offered on an annual basis through federal appropriations, and future funding cycles are contingent upon continued federal support. Questions regarding the program or application process must be directed to the designated program email contact during the open solicitation period.

Ensure proposals clearly demonstrate how projects fill critical emergency management gaps and align with preparedness priorities; provide detailed timelines and complete budgets; clearly explain match strategy