Emergency Management Performance Grant

The purpose of the EMPG Program is to provide federal grants to States to assist State, local, territorial, and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 5121 et seq.) and Section 662 of the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, as amended (6 U.S.C. § 762). Title VI of the Stafford Act authorizes FEMA to make grants for the purpose of providing a system of emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property in the United States from hazards and to vest responsibility for emergency preparedness jointly in the federal government and the states and their political subdivisions.

The federal government, through the EMPG Program, provides necessary direction, coordination, and guidance, and provides necessary assistance, as authorized in this title, to support a comprehensive all hazards emergency preparedness system.

The EOC Grant Program is part of the Community Project Funding Program and must be requested through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). The process differs from the standard grant awarding process as it is driven by the U.S. Legislature through CDS requests. CDS requests allow Members of Congress to request that federal funds be set aside for specific projects in their states. This is an opportunity for state, local, and tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations to apply for funding for projects that would benefit from a one-time allocation of funds. Each fiscal year, the Senate accepts requests for earmarks. When the appropriations for Community Project Funding is released, Cal OES will reach out to those selected for funding to begin the standard grant process.

Appropriations for Community Project Fund can vary every year, below is a general timeline for CDS requests that requestors should follow:

October through December:

1. Develop a project idea.
2. Reach out to your local members of Congress (Senators/Representatives applicable to your jurisdiction) staff to work through the idea, they are the ones to advocate for this funding on your behalf.

January through February:

1. Draft and submit your CDS request to your local members of Congress (Senators/Representatives applicable to your jurisdiction).

March through September:

1. The representative will review requests and consult with Cal OES of the funds requested and submit requests to the Appropriations Committee.
2. Subcommittees will review requests and determine which ones will be included in the Subcommittee’s appropriations bill.
3. The appropriations bill must pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives and be signed by the President of the United States.

Helpful Guidance Documents for Upcoming Application Process

FY 2026 CDS guidance has not been released for the EOC Grant Program. Below are helpful items to assist those applying for the Program:

1. FY 2024 Emergency Operations Center Grant Program Fact Sheet
2. FY 2025 Appropriations Requests General Guidance
3. FY 2025 Homeland Security Guidance

Contact Information

For more information on the EOC Grant Program and the initial application process please contact:
Al Hardoy, EOC Grant Program Unit Chief, Al.Hardoy@CalOES.ca.gov
Kennedy Welch, EOC Grant Program Grant Analyst, Kennedy.Welch@CalOES.ca.gov