FEMA Grant Programs Accessible to US Colleges and Universities Overview US colleges and universities have historically applied, as sub-grantees, for funding under the Homeland Security Grant Program administered by the Grant Programs Directorate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s. The Homeland Security Grant Program includes the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Areas Security Grant Program (UASI), the Citizen Corps Program (CCP), the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), and Operation Stonegarden (OPSG). The aim of these programs is to assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector in strengthening our nation's ability to prevent, protect, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. Funding In FY 2011, the total amount of funds distributed under HSGP will be $1,289,296,132. Below is the funding distribution across FY 2011 HSGP’s five related grant programs: HSGP Programs FY 2011 Allocation State Homeland Security Program $526,874,100 Urban Areas Security Initiative $662,622,100 Operation Stonegarden $54,890,000 Metropolitan Medical Response System $34,929,932 Citizen Corps Program $9,980,000 Total $1,289,296,132 Eligibility US colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grants in the following programs. The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) supports building and sustaining capabilities at the state and local levels through planning, equipment, training and exercise activities and helps states to implement the strategic goals and objectives included in state homeland security strategies. The SHSP supports activities within all four homeland security mission areas (i.e. prevent, protect, respond, recover) as well as the National Priorities identified in the National Preparedness Goal. The Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) addresses the unique multi-disciplinary planning, operations, equipment, training and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas, and assists them in building and sustaining capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from threats or acts of terrorism. This program provides funding to 31 high-threat high-density urban areas based on risk and effectiveness. The Citizen Corps Program (CCP) supports Citizen Corps Councils with efforts to engage citizens in personal preparedness, exercises, ongoing volunteer programs and surge capacity response, to better prepare citizens to be fully aware, trained and practiced on how to prevent, protect/mitigate, prepare for and respond to all threats and hazards. This program provides funding by formula basis to all 56 states and territories. The Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) program assists designated local, metropolitan areas to sustain and further enhance regionally integrated all-hazards mass casualty preparedness and response capabilities to achieve: adequate progress in meeting designated target capabilities; increased integration with statewide mass casualty initiatives and capabilities; and effective coordination with mutually supporting program guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services and other relevant federal agencies. This program provides funding by formula basis to 124 MMRS jurisdictions. Other Grant Programs Colleges and universities have also applied for the following grant programs: Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. FP&S Grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and reduce injury and prevent death. The Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) program assists state and local governments to sustain and enhance the effectiveness of their emergency management program. This program provides funding by formula basis to all 56 states and territories as well as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The total amount of funds distributed under the FY 2011 EMPG will be more than $329 million. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding to support target-hardening activities by nonprofit organizations that are considered at high risk for international terrorist attack. While this funding is provided specifically to high-risk nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. The total amount of funds distributed under the FY 2011 NPSG will be more than $18 million. Application Considerations FEMA preparedness grant funds are generally awarded to the State Administrative Agency (SAA). The SAA is then responsible for soliciting projects and awarding sub-grants to jurisdictions and entities within their jurisdictions. Therefore, it is essential to develop a relationship with the State Administrative Agency (SAA) in the state, the State Emergency Management Agency and the UASI and MMRS jurisdictions. Access the current list of SAAs on the FEMA Web site at http://www.fema.gov/grants. There is some direct funding available for fire safety research through the Assistance to Firefighter Programs. Please refer to the AFG website at http://www.firegrantsupport.com for more information. In all cases, read the grant program guidance and application kits for grant programs at http://www.fema.gov/grants to become familiar with program eligibility, program requirements and allowable expenditures. Determine the needs and capabilities of your university and college in relation to the various grant programs. For questions, send an email to askcsid@dhs.gov or contact the Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) help line at (800) 368-6498. CSID hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Projects Funded by Colleges and Universities through FEMA Preparedness Grant Programs Project Description Grant Program Manage, update and/or implement the State Homeland Security Strategy SHSP Assess vulnerability of and/or harden/protect critical infrastructure and key assets Purchasing critical infrastructure and target hardening equipment SHSP, UASI, NSGP Enhance Capabilities to respond to all-hazards events SHSP Build/enhance a pharmaceutical stockpile and/or distribution network for university-based hospitals MMRS Enhance capabilities to respond to all-hazards events SHSP Adopt and implement the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to include the integration of core concepts into plans and procedures SHSP Develop/enhance plans, procedures and protocols Colleges and universities have conducted vulnerability assessments as well as the development and revision of Emergency Operations Procedures UASI, EMPG Develop/enhance interoperable communications systems SHSP, UASI Develop/enhance a state and local geospatial data system (GIS) and law enforcement equipment SHSP Establish/enhance regional response teams SHSP or UASI Establish/enhance a public-private emergency preparedness program such as citizen preparedness SHSP Establish/enhance a public health surveillance system UASI Establish/enhance a mass care shelter and alternative medical facilities operations SHSP Establish/enhance a sustainable homeland security training program such as curriculum development and course delivery for NIMS and fire training SHSP, CCP Establish/enhance a terrorism intelligence/early warning system center or task force SHSP Establish/enhance citizen volunteer initiatives and Citizen Corps Councils CCP Establish/enhance agro-terrorism preparedness capabilities SHSP Establish/enhance a cyber security program SHSP Establish/Enhance an Emergency Operation Center SHSP Establish/enhance a sustainable homeland security exercise program Exercise funding can include planning, execution and After Action Reports (AAR) SHSP FY 2011 HSGP Overview 1