​Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is a grant that requires a federal disaster declaration.

The purpose of HMGP is to help communities implement hazard mitigation measures following a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in the areas of the state, tribe, or territory requested by the Governor or Tribal Executive.

The key purpose of this grant program is to enact mitigation measures that reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters.

The primary guidance document for this program is the HMA Guidance. HMGP is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Once a federally declared disaster is provided to the commonwealth, municipalities which adopted the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan are eligible. This program is open to any local governments or eligible organizations; individuals cannot apply directly for the program.

The federal cost share for a pre-disaster mitigation project is 75 percent and typically the commonwealth will pay for the 25 percent required non-federal share. 

FEMA’s vision is to serve as a catalyst that drives increased understanding and proactive action to help people in communities reduce their losses from natural hazards. To support this vision, FEMA funds three Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. Hazard mitigation measures are any sustainable action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.

The HMGP supports cost-effective post-disaster projects and is the longest running mitigation program among FEMA’s three grant programs. Studies have shown that every $1 spent equals $6 of future damages mitigated.

Are You Eligible?

Only the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania may apply as an applicant.

Sub-applications must come from local governments or other eligible organizations; individuals cannot apply directly for the program.

Eligible entities may submit the PEMA Form #00Letter of Intent (LOI) to get on a Hazard Mitigation potential project or plan list. The agency contacts all communities and associations when this funding becomes available to include legislative and municipal associations, to ensure awareness, required eligibilities and visibility for all communities and disaster survivors.

How Can These Funds be Used?

HMGP is designed to assist states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a natural hazard mitigation program.
The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters. 

This program awards planning and project grants and provides opportunities for raising public awareness about reducing future losses before disaster strikes. Mitigation planning is a key process used to break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted in hard copy to PEMA through the PEMA Project Officer. The HMGP application is reviewed and entered into FEMA’s National Emergency Management Information System by PEMA personnel for FEMA visibility and future reviews.

What to Expect after Applying

Awards are determined by the federal agency. Award notifications are made to local level after PEMA receives the formal award from the federal agency.