Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

As the result of a Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds plans and projects that reduce the effects of future natural disasters. In California, these funds are administered by the Cal OES HMGP Unit. Eligible subapplicants include state agencies, local governments, special districts, and some private non-profits. To learn more about the HMGP, visit: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance and the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance Addendum.

2021 HMGP funding opportunity provides support for communities to implement mitigation activities to reduce risk to life and property from natural hazards. In California, natural hazards include wildfire, earthquake, drought, extreme weather, flooding, and other impacts of climate change. HMGP funding can also support the development of Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMP) and project scoping activities. For eligible socially vulnerable and high hazard risk communities, the PrepareCA Initiative provides additional support for capacity building and to cover the local cost share for eligible mitigation activities.

HMGP Funding Opportunities and 2021 Notice of Funding Opportunity Update

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is pleased to announce an update to the 2021 funding opportunity for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). In addition, Cal OES is announcing a new one-time, state-funded initiative (“Prepare California”) to help socially vulnerable and high hazard risk communities—which are impacted disproportionately by disasters and experience longer and more challenging economic and structural recoveries—jumpstart their progress toward greater resilience through advanced outreach, technical assistance, and funds to subsidize local mitigation and resilience initiatives.

Overall, 2021 mitigation and resilience funding can be grouped as follows:

• PrepareCA JumpStart – $15 million in total state funding dedicated to help jumpstart eligible socially vulnerable and high hazard risk communities in their development and implementation of resilience planning and activities.
• FEMA HMGP – ~$428 million in total federal funding for eligible FEMA HMGP activities and projects.
  • PrepareCA Match – $255 million in total federal funding for FEMA HMGP activities and projects benefiting eligible socially vulnerable and high hazard risk communities. PrepareCA Match will provide $85 million in state funding to cover the required 25% local cost share (non-federal share).
  • 2021 FEMA HMGP – ~$173 million in total federal funding for eligible FEMA HMGP activities and projects for communities state-wide. Communities will be responsible for covering the required 25% local cost share (non-federal share).

Timeline for Funding Opportunities

Eligible Subapplicants 

• State Agencies (Not eligible for PrepareCA Jumpstart) – Activities must be consistent with the State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Federally Recognized Tribes – Subapplicants must have a FEMA-approved tribal hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible.
• Local Governments/Communities/Special Districts – Subapplicants must have a FEMA-approved local hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible.
• Private non-profit Organizations – Private non-profit Organizations are not subject to this requirement, but the County in which they are located must meet the LHMP requirement.

Eligible Subapplicants from all 58 counties may apply. Projects must benefit communities that meet the Hazard Risk and Social Vulnerability Criteria. The above entity types can seek funding under PrepareCA

Best Practices for Application Submission

1. For helpful tips, FAQs, and detailed information about how to submit your NOI, please see the HMA NOI User Guide.
2. For NOI submission, using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your browser, click this link to access the Engage Cal OES Portal.
3. Please see the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance for full details on project eligibility and other requirements.
4. All contracts and purchases must comply with Federal procurement guidelines outlined in 2 CFR 200 to be eligible for reimbursement.

• • Pre-award costs (including the development of the subapplication) are eligible for reimbursement upon award if all procurements adhered to federal policies. This includes competitively procuring any contractor support used to develop the subapplication or plan a project.
  • In accordance with 2 CFR 200, contractors who assist with subapplication development will be ineligible to compete for further contracts on the same award.

HMGP Resource Library

Technical Assistance

Our subject matter experts are available to discuss project eligibility, benefit cost analysis, technical feasibility, EHP requirements, the application process, or other related matters. Please reach out to HMA@pfwt.caloes.ca.gov with questions or to schedule a call. For Questions specific to the PrepareCA Jumpstart program, reach out to PrepareCAJumpStart@pfwt.caloes.ca.gov.

Projects must be eligible, feasible, and cost effective per FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance. Projects must be stand alone activities that will reduce risk as their primary benefit, but Cal OES strongly encourages the submission of projects that achieve multiple benefits.