Grant Announcements

FEMA Congressional Advisory

SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

FEMA ANNOUNCES 2012 COMMUNITY RESILIENCE INNOVATION CHALLENGE

Application Period Open for Funding to Increase Local Resiliency through Whole Community Approach

Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced an open application period for a new funding opportunity, the Community Resilience Innovation Challenge, which will support efforts to build local resilience through a Whole Community approach in communities across America.

Though National Preparedness Month comes to a close at the end of September, FEMA and its partners recognize that preparedness must continue in communities year-round. This new monetary opportunity is designed to continue to move community preparedness forward while helping local areas build and revitalize community-based partnerships to advance the nation’s resilience.

The Community Resilience Innovation Challenge is provided through the Rockefeller Foundation and FEMA. It will be administered by the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation, who will act as a third-party intermediary to encourage local communities to engage in creative activities that enhance disaster resilience. Funding levels will vary, with maximum awards of $35,000, and applications are open to most local, state, and tribal agencies and governments; business entities; associations; organizations, and groups. Submissions will be accepted through October 26, 2012.

Key assessment areas for the awards will be the applicants’ demonstration that their approach to community resilience is innovative, collaborative with community stakeholders, sustainable, replicable, and beneficial to the community in measurable ways. 

FEMA recognizes that a government-centric approach to disaster management is insufficient to meet the challenges posed by a catastrophic incident. To meet our Nation’s preparedness goals, the Whole Community must be actively involved in all phases of the preparedness, response, and recovery cycles. These awards are designed to invest in and enhance the Whole Community effort.

Additional information on the Challenge program criteria and application process can be found at www.fema.gov and www.ResilienceChallenge.org.  

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA’s Congressional Affairs Division at (202) 646-4500.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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