Emergency Management Performance Grants

The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program, administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), supports comprehensive emergency management at the state and local levels. As a federally funded initiative, it is designed to assist states in developing and maintaining an integrated emergency management system capable of preparing for, mitigating against, responding to, and recovering from all hazards. This funding opportunity aligns with the priorities and requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ensuring that state and local governments have the necessary resources to effectively manage emergency response and preparedness functions. The EMPG program provides financial assistance to eligible jurisdictions for activities such as planning, organization, equipment purchases, training, and exercises related to emergency management. These funds may be used to support personnel costs for emergency management staff, conduct community preparedness campaigns, and strengthen coordination and communication capabilities among public safety agencies. However, the program imposes certain restrictions, such as limitations on indirect cost recovery and mandates a cost-sharing arrangement, requiring recipients to match federal funds on a 50/50 basis either through cash or in-kind contributions. Eligibility for the program typically includes state and local government entities with a demonstrated responsibility for emergency management coordination within their jurisdictions. While the NOFO does not provide detailed eligibility breakdowns, the nature of the program and its longstanding federal framework strongly suggest that eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, and city or township governments. The application process is non-competitive and follows an open announcement model, meaning applications may be submitted at any time within the designated performance period, without fixed deadlines. Applications for this grant do not require pre-application steps such as Letters of Intent or Concept Papers. Instead, applicants must complete the official grant application and provide any required supporting documentation through the designated application platform. While the specific components required for submission are not detailed in the provided source material, federal grants of this nature often require submission of a project narrative, budget detail worksheet, and standard federal assurances and certifications. Evaluation and award processes are managed by IEMA, and while timelines for review, notification, and fund disbursement are not explicitly stated in the available documentation, applicants can anticipate standard federal grant review timelines. This opportunity was initially posted on August 19, 2021, and remains open-ended, meaning that applications are accepted on a rolling basis. There are no specific due dates, making this an attractive opportunity for jurisdictions that require funding flexibility. As of the analysis date (2026-02-20), this funding opportunity is still active. For additional information or inquiries about the grant, applicants are encouraged to contact Nichole Strayer at [email protected]. While the PDF attachment for this opportunity was referenced in the source, no publicly accessible URL for the document was provided, and therefore it cannot be linked directly. Applicants are advised to reach out directly to the contact provided for full application details and access to the official application materials.