Fiscal Year 2026 National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Individual State Earthquake Assistance

The FEMA National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Individual State Earthquake Assistance grant is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This program is part of the broader National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, a coordinated federal effort involving FEMA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The initiative is designed to strengthen earthquake preparedness, mitigation, and resilience activities across the United States, with a specific focus on states and territories identified as having high or very high seismic risk. The primary purpose of this grant is to support the development and implementation of earthquake risk reduction programs at the state and local level. FEMA provides non-competitive funding to eligible states and territories to enhance their capacity to manage seismic risks. The program prioritizes activities that reduce loss of life and property damage from earthquakes by promoting mitigation planning, building safety improvements, public awareness, and coordination among stakeholders. The grant supports efforts such as seismic hazard assessments, vulnerability evaluations of infrastructure, updates to building codes and ordinances, and participation in emergency preparedness exercises. Funding under this program may be used for a range of allowable activities aligned with FEMA’s strategic goals for earthquake resilience. These include conducting inventories and safety inspections of critical structures, enhancing public education and outreach on earthquake risks, supporting seismic mitigation planning, and promoting earthquake insurance adoption. However, the program restricts the use of funds for construction, retrofits, real property acquisition, equipment purchases, international travel, and research-related activities. All funded activities must align with the overarching mission and strategic objectives of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to U.S. states and territories classified as having high or very high earthquake risk based on federal criteria such as seismic design categories and population exposure. Applicants must be able to provide a statutory non-federal cost share of 25 percent, although this requirement is waived for certain insular areas such as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam under specific conditions. Subawards are permitted, and entities such as tribal organizations may participate as subrecipients, provided they meet program requirements and adhere to federal regulations. The application process requires entities to register with federal systems including SAM.gov and Grants.gov and submit their applications through the FEMA Grants Outcomes system. Applicants must provide a comprehensive work plan narrative, a detailed budget using established methodologies, a master schedule of activities and deliverables, and an outcomes report or logic model. The program emphasizes clear planning, measurable outcomes, and alignment with FEMA’s goals. Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, completeness, technical expertise, feasibility of the work plan, and cost-effectiveness. The application window for this funding opportunity opens in mid-July and closes in mid-August. For the current cycle, applications are due by August 14, 2026. Funding decisions are anticipated by the end of September 2026, with the period of performance beginning October 1, 2026 and extending through March 31, 2028. Recipients are required to comply with extensive reporting, financial management, and programmatic requirements throughout the grant lifecycle. Evaluation criteria focus on the applicant’s ability to implement eligible activities effectively, demonstrate technical expertise, and propose realistic and sustainable work plans. FEMA Regional Program Offices conduct the review and selection process. Successful applicants must adhere to federal compliance standards, reporting requirements, and program guidelines. Contact for programmatic inquiries is available through FEMA’s designated program office email, ensuring applicants have access to technical assistance throughout the application and award process.

Ensure alignment with NEHRP goals and allowable activities; provide realistic timelines and measurable outcomes; demonstrate technical expertise and cost effectiveness; ensure complete documentation submission