Earthquake Brace + Bolt Grant Program

The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Grant Program is administered by the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP), a joint powers authority formed by the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). CRMP was established in 2011 to help residents across California strengthen their homes against earthquake-related damages. The EBB program specifically supports seismic retrofits for wood-framed homes built before 1980 with raised foundations, offering financial support to reduce structural vulnerability in the event of seismic activity. The 2025 EBB grant program features a second application period beginning August 20 and closing October 1, 2025. For the first time in the program’s history, eligibility has been expanded beyond owner-occupied residences to include non-primary residential properties, such as rentals. This change broadens access to seismic retrofit assistance for landlords and property investors, allowing a larger portion of California's housing stock to benefit from improved safety and resiliency. Grant awards of up to $3,000 are available to help homeowners and eligible landlords cover the cost of bolting their homes to their foundations and bracing crawl space walls. These structural upgrades help protect homes from damage due to ground shaking and soil failure during earthquakes. For income-qualified applicants with a household income at or below $89,040, supplemental grants of up to $7,000 may be available, potentially covering 100 percent of retrofit costs. These additional funds are contingent upon meeting income eligibility and available funding. The total funding pool for this cycle is more than $20 million. The program is targeted at homes located in over 1,100 eligible ZIP Codes across California, including 303 ZIP Codes added earlier in 2025. Applicants must reside in or own a property within one of these designated ZIP Codes and must use a trained California-licensed general contractor approved by the program to be eligible. Applicants can register for the program by visiting EarthquakeBraceBolt.com during the open registration period. The website offers access to detailed eligibility requirements, a searchable ZIP Code list, and tools to find certified contractors. No pre-application steps are required for participation, and all applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025. The program is expected to recur on an annual basis, with the next anticipated cycle likely reopening in August 2026, based on historical patterns. Program inquiries may be directed to Sheri Pierce at 279-203-1426 or spierce@calquake.com, and to Patrick George at 916-202-1982 or pgeorge@ka-pow.com. The EBB program represents a significant state investment in earthquake resilience and homeowner safety, and aims to reduce the potential for severe housing loss and displacement resulting from future seismic events.