FY25 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

The FY25 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is an initiative managed by the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs under the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). This program offers financial support to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to rebuild in ways that reduce or mitigate future disaster-related losses. Unlike the annually-recurring Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, HMGP funds are available following a presidentially declared disaster and must be requested by a governor or tribal executive in eligible communities. The application period for the DR-4831 Hurricane Helene is currently open. Eligible project types under this grant include retrofitting existing buildings to withstand natural hazards, purchasing hazard-prone properties to remove people and structures from danger, and retrofitting utilities and infrastructure to prevent failure due to natural hazards. Additionally, projects may include drainage improvements, slope stabilization, development and adoption of hazard mitigation plans, and the use of green infrastructure methods to mitigate flood and drought impacts. Eligible entities that can apply for this grant include local governments such as cities, towns, counties, special district governments, state agencies, and tribal governments. These entities are considered subapplicants and must submit their applications through their state, territory, or tribal applicant agency, specifically VDEM. Homeowners, business operators, and non-profit organizations are not eligible to apply directly but can be included in a subapplication submitted by an eligible subapplicant. To apply, all project pre-applications, applications, and supporting documentation must be submitted through VDEM’s grants management system at vdem.emgrants.com. Prospective applicants must register for an account, indicating their intention to apply for Hazard Mitigation Assistance. Registration requires a governmental or tribal affiliation or employment by a planning district commission. After a pre-application is reviewed for eligibility by VDEM, applicants will be prompted to complete a detailed project application. The application process requires a joint preliminary disaster assessment of the impacted area with FEMA to determine if a major disaster declaration is warranted. This assessment helps identify potential mitigation opportunities for FEMA funding. For homeowners interested in grant funding assistance for specific projects like elevation or demolition, it is advised to contact their local government’s grants representative for participation information. The application period opens on October 1, 2024, and closes on July 18, 2025. For further assistance, potential applicants can refer to FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance and contact VDEM at webmaster@vdem.virginia.gov for any website-related issues.

For homeowners interested in grant funding assistance for specific projects like elevation or demolition, it is advised to contact their local government’s grants representative for participation information.