State Disaster Prevention and Relief Grants

The Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants program, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to support the repair, removal, or replacement of trees within urban areas that have been damaged by catastrophic storm events. A catastrophic storm is defined as damage to urban forests caused by snow, ice, hail, wind, or tornado, for which the governor has declared a state of emergency. This grant is not for damage resulting from insect infestation, disease, forest fire, drought, or flooding. The program's core objective is to aid communities in recovering and restoring their urban forests after severe weather. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes, and 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin that have experienced damage to their urban forests as a direct result of a declared catastrophic storm event. Private property owners are not eligible for this funding. A key eligibility criterion is that the urban forest damage must have occurred in an area with a minimum of 100 residents per square mile, as determined by the Wisconsin Demographic Services Center based on U.S. Census Bureau data. The impact goal is to assist these eligible entities in mitigating the visual, ecological, and safety hazards posed by storm-damaged trees, thereby contributing to the resilience and health of urban environments. The grant prioritizes costs directly related to damaged tree repair, removal, or replacement within the geographic area covered by the state of emergency. Eligible costs include regular wages and fringe benefits for personnel working on tree-related tasks, as well as expenses for services, supplies, equipment, or facilities used for these activities. Overtime costs are not eligible, and any costs reimbursed by other funding sources, such as federal disaster assistance or insurance, are also excluded. The focus is on documented, reasonable, and necessary expenditures directly stemming from the catastrophic storm. Expected outcomes include the restoration of damaged urban tree canopies, improved public safety through the removal of hazardous trees, and the enhancement of urban environmental quality. Measurable results would involve the number of trees repaired, removed, or replaced, the total acreage of urban forest impacted by grant activities, and the financial investment made in urban forest recovery efforts. The grant's duration is one year, with individual grants ranging from $4,000 to $50,000, providing immediate support for post-storm recovery.

This program provides financial assistance to New Jersey communities at risk of wildfires to enhance their resilience through proactive planning, risk mitigation, and public awareness initiatives.

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is offering a grant for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to provide Emergency Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach. This grant aligns with the federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) state grant, which DHS administers in partnership with the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV). The program's mission is to prevent incidents of family, domestic, and dating violence, and to provide comprehensive support for survivors and their dependents. This directly aligns with the broader goal of fostering community safety and well-being by addressing the root causes and immediate needs related to violence. The target beneficiaries of this grant are survivors of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents. This includes children exposed to violence, underserved populations, and victims from racial and ethnic minority populations. The impact goals are to provide immediate shelter and supportive services, offer access to community-based programs, and deliver specialized services that address the unique needs of vulnerable groups. The program aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families impacted by violence, enabling them to heal and rebuild their lives. The grant prioritizes three key categories: Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach. The funding allocation reflects these priorities, with the largest portion dedicated to Shelter and Supportive Services ($567,522.20), followed by equal amounts for Non-residential Counseling and Case Management ($101,343.25) and Education and Outreach ($101,343.25). These categories are designed to provide a holistic approach to addressing violence, from immediate crisis intervention to long-term prevention and recovery. The strategic priorities are to establish, maintain, and expand programs that effectively prevent violence and support survivors. Expected outcomes include a reduction in incidents of family, domestic, and dating violence, increased access to immediate shelter and supportive services for survivors, and enhanced community-based programs. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served, the duration of shelter provided, the utilization of counseling and case management services, and the reach of education and outreach initiatives. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive and culturally appropriate services, the program can empower survivors, prevent future violence, and foster safer communities for all. The total estimated program award funding for this grant is $770,209.00, with an award period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria specify that entities must be a local public agency or a nonprofit private organization (including faith-based, charitable, community-based, tribal, and voluntary associations) with a documented history of effective work concerning family, domestic, or dating violence. Partnerships of two or more agencies or organizations, including one with the described experience and another with a demonstrated history of serving populations with culturally appropriate services, are also eligible.

This funding program provides financial resources to Colorado local governments for law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute unlicensed marijuana operations and combat illicit cultivation and distribution.

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Recovery Reimbursement Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, aims to support farms, integrators, and allied industries directly impacted by HPAI, particularly those within control or quarantine zones. The program is designed to mitigate financial losses by reimbursing eligible costs related to the outbreak. With five rounds of funding, the latest round focuses on biosecurity enhancement reimbursements up to $25,000 per premises, with a total fund allocation of $2 million. This initiative encourages the implementation or improvement of biosecurity practices to elevate poultry farm and business biosecurity standards, address weaknesses, and decrease HPAI cases. The application deadline for Round Five has been extended to May 2, 2024, with eligible expenses including loss of income, mortgage interest, rent, utility payments, working capital for reopening, and payroll costs among others.

The FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program is a $5 million fund aimed at helping fire departments across the Commonwealth purchase essential safety equipment that meets NFPA and OSHA standards, with applications open from September 19 to October 17, 2024.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering grants to local governments and Soil and Water Conservation Districts to assist in the initial planning of non-agricultural nonpoint source water quality improvement projects. The grants are also available for regulated MS4 Operators for mapping. The program supports projects like upgrading wastewater treatment systems and streambank stabilization. Applicants seeking planning grants for wastewater treatment systems should refer to the NYS DEC/EFC Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant Program. The program also focuses on projects affecting environmental justice and disadvantaged communities, and includes a variety of eligible report categories such as green infrastructure, stormwater retrofits, and stream culvert repair.

This funding program provides financial support for security improvements to nonprofit organizations at high risk of threats or attacks, excluding those primarily focused on medical or mental health services.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to local governments, state agencies, and eligible nonprofits in areas affected by wildfires to implement measures that reduce future disaster risks.

The Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) announces the availability of FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for the Presidential Declaration DR-4720 Severe Flooding. Up to $64,170,000 is available for hazard mitigation projects and up to $4,830,000 for planning activities. The program supports projects aimed at enhancing resilience, reducing loss of life, and minimizing damages to property. Eligible applicants include local governments, state agencies, and certain non-profits performing government-like functions. Priority is given to projects that benefit frontline and disadvantaged communities and those that align with the Vermont State Hazard Mitigation Plan. Pre-applications are accepted on a continual basis until August 16, 2024. Projects must be proven cost-effective through a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA). VEM provides technical assistance throughout the application process. HMGP funding is available statewide and does not need to be related to damages from the July 2023 flood.

This funding opportunity supports Minnesota livestock and specialty crop producers in improving their resilience to extreme weather through the purchase of equipment and supplies.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is offering its Community Forestry Grant Program, a state-funded initiative designed to support community-based tree planting for derecho recovery. This program is rooted in the Iowa Legislature's appropriation of state infrastructure funds, specifically earmarked for urban and community forestry services. The core mission of this grant program aligns with enhancing Iowa's natural environment and aiding in the recovery of communities affected by derecho events through strategic tree planting on public lands. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are state and local government entities, schools, volunteer organizations, and service organizations actively involved with local urban and community forest services. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate the purchase and planting of trees on publicly owned lands across Iowa, contributing to environmental restoration and community resilience following natural disasters. Eligible planting areas include, but are not limited to, street right-of-ways, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries, and trails, ensuring broad community access to the benefits of reforestation. Grant priorities emphasize several key areas to maximize impact and ensure effective resource allocation. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating clear need stemming from derecho impact, cost-effectiveness through a $1 for $1 cash match, robust community involvement, alignment with Tree City/Campus/Line USA designation, and a focus on species/genera diversity and environmental impact. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to fostering sustainable urban and community forests, promoting ecological health, and encouraging local engagement in environmental stewardship. The expected outcomes of the Community Forestry Grant Program include the successful planting of a diverse range of suitable trees across publicly owned lands in Iowa. Measurable results will be tied to the number of trees planted, the extent of community involvement, and the degree to which projects address the specified priorities, particularly in derecho-affected and EAB Reforestation eligible counties. The program's strategic priorities are centered on recovery, environmental enhancement, and community engagement, working towards a theory of change where targeted tree planting leads to stronger, more resilient communities and improved ecological well-being throughout the state. The grants, ranging from $500 to $10,000, are specifically for the purchase and planting of trees, with special requests for other landscape plantings requiring detailed justification.

Projects should address one or more of the following Creative Youth Development program goals: Provide social-emotional creative experiences in safe, healthy and appropriate learning environments. Foster creative abilities of youth through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning. Support arts programs that seek to activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Utilize cultural assets of the local community to support positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures. Empower youth through the preservation, revitalization, and/or reclamation of cultural practices. Cultivate the development of transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to regional fire departments, including career, combination, and volunteer entities with training centers, to enhance their training capabilities and improve public safety.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Ohio's county Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services boards to develop and implement comprehensive disaster preparedness plans that integrate behavioral health services into emergency response efforts.

This grant provides financial assistance to agricultural producers in 14 Texas counties who have experienced water losses due to Mexico's non-compliance with a water treaty, helping them recover from the impacts on their farming operations.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist farmers in 14 designated counties of Upper East Tennessee who have suffered damages or losses due to Tropical Storm Helene, enabling them to recover and rebuild their operations.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New York that are at risk of terrorist or extremist attacks, enabling them to improve their physical and cybersecurity measures.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to New Jersey municipalities and communities for implementing wildfire hazard mitigation practices outlined in their approved Community Wildfire Protection Plans.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small and volunteer fire departments in Ohio's less populated counties to enhance their firefighting capabilities and safety equipment.