The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program provides assistance to certain types of private non-profit organizations so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the president. The State of Florida manages this program for all sub-grants awarded to local eligible jurisdictions and agencies within the State of Florida.
Through the PA Grant Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures. In addition, grant assistance may be provided for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit organizations.
To be eligible for assistance from this grant program, prospective applicants must fill out a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) through the State of Florida’s Public Assistance Web Portal, within 30 days of the Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Private non-profit organizations applying for assistance should be prepared to provide the following when submitting their RPA:
- A ruling letter from the Internal Revenue Service that was in effect on the declaration date and granted tax exemption under sections 501(c), (d), or (e) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Documentation from the State substantiating it is a non-revenue producing, non-profit entity organized or doing business under State law, including law citation.
- If exempt from both the requirement to apply for 501(c)(3) status and tax-exempt status under State law, articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other documents indicating it is an organized entity and a certification that is is compliant with Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) and State law requirements.
Approved Eligible Work
Public Assistance is categorized into two types of work: Emergency and Permanent. The performance period for Emergency Work Public Assistance Grants is normally within 6 months after the presidential declaration. The performance period for Permanent Work Public Assistance Grants is normally within 18 months after the presidential declaration. The performance period of both types of grants can be extended provided an appropriate request for extension is submitted to the state (grantee) by the local jurisdiction or agency (sub-grantee). Requests for extension of performance period are submitted through the FloridaPA.org website.
A Major Declaration, FEMA-4673-DR, was approved for Hurricane Ian. Amendments to the FEMA-4673-DR have been added to encompass additional Counties eligible for assistance through the FEMA PA Program:
- FEMA-4673-DR Amendment 1
- FEMA-4673-DR Amendment 2
- FEMA-4673-DR Amendment 3
For a period of 30 days from the start of the incident period, FEMA is authorized to provide federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, at 100 percent of the total eligible costs.
A map reflecting Florida’s Counties approved for eligible work is also available. The Fourth Edition of the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) is provided as a reference for your application.
PA Application
A Public Assistance 101 document is available to provide information about the FEMA PA program. This publication is intended for those applying for and/or receiving recovery grants through the FEMA PA program and other recovery and mitigation stakeholders. The Florida Division of Emergency Management also has provided an informational brochure for private non-profits who may be eligible for reimbursement.
To apply for Public Assistance, eligible applicants must be a registered user in FloridaPA.org and submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA).
For instructions on becoming a registered user in FloridaPA.org, retrieving lost or forgotten login information for current registered users, and instructions for current registered users to submit a RPA, view Submitting a Request for Public Assistance. RPAs submitted by the Applicant will follow standard review processes by the Recipient and FEMA. The Applicant will be able to view its RPA status in the FEMA Grants Portal. A Request for Public Assistance Quick Guide explains how to create a Public Assistance (PA) Grants Portal user account and submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA).
Insurance
Applicants must understand insurance as it pertains to Federally Declared disasters and receiving FEMA PA funds. A disaster insurance brochure is provided to help hospital applicants that has received or might receive FEMA PA funds.
Contact Information
Applicants may contact the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Bureau of Recovery regarding Public Assistance at (850) 815-4400 or by contacting the Melissa Shirah, Chief, Bureau of Recovery at (850) 815-4410.
If you are considering applying for assistance through the FEMA PA Grant Program, please share this information with your team members as you deem appropriate. The FHA will continue to provide more information as it becomes available. Please contact John Wilgis at (850) 524-2037 for questions.