Public Assistance for Houses of Worship

Release Date:
September 7, 2021

Houses of Worship and religious nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance program to cover the costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairing or replacing facilities damaged during the severe storms and flooding that occurred on Aug. 21 in Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys counties. The program is funded by FEMA and administered through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

  • FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides federal disaster funding to protect and restore eligible public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings, parks, and even private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) and houses of worship, that have been damaged or destroyed. Funding is also available to reimburse eligible entities for emergency protective measures. Public Assistance is a cost share reimbursement program: 75% FEMA and 25% Applicant.
  • Process to Apply:
    • The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency will host informational Applicant Briefings for interested entities in Dickson, Hickman, Houston, and Humphreys Counties.  During the briefing, a TEMA representative will provide education on the program, program deadlines, eligibility factors, grant administration, and what else to expect throughout the Public Assistance Process.  For the Applicant Briefing schedule, go to Active Disasters FEMA-4609-DR-TN.
    • Following the Applicant Briefing, interested parties must submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) within 30 days the Public Assistance declaration in their county.
      • Deadline Below:
        • Applicants within Dickson and Hickman Counties:  September 31, 2021
        • Applicants within Houston County:  September 24, 2021
        • Applicants within Humphreys County:  September 22, 2021
    • For more information how to submit an RPA, please visit the TEMA Public Assistance website.
  • Additional Application Information:
    • Applicants will be asked to submit an IRS letter establishing tax exempt status or state documentation confirming nonprofit status.
    • As with all nonprofit organizations, religious PNPs that provide a non-critical, essential service (such as a community center or daycare) may have to submit an application to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan before FEMA can provide financial grants, for permanent work.  FEMA can provide assistance once an SBA loan is denied or if loan is insufficient to cover damage repair costs.
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