Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program – Fiscal Year 2023 Implementation Overview

This fact sheet provides an overview of the implementation strategy for the Fiscal Year 2023 Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund (Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF) program funding opportunity. Additional information and requirements can be found in the program’s Notice of Funding Opportunity,

First Year Approach

FEMA’s Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program is the first Hazard Mitigation Assistance program to provide capitalization grants for revolving loan funds. FEMA is making $50 million available to eligible entities to establish revolving loan funds in the first funding opportunity. The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program is being implemented through an iterative approach, with the intention for FEMA to work cooperatively with entities through the initial funding cycle and application period to address challenges and establish best practices to refine the program framework for future funding cycles.

An entity eligible for grant funding through the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program includes any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as federally recognized tribal governments having received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Understanding Entity Needs and Capacity

Through its iterative approach, FEMA intends to learn from the initial launch of the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program to develop a more effective and customer-focused program. FEMA will work closely with stakeholders to understand entity funding needs and gather best practices on topics such as entity administrative burden and capacity, achieving resilience and equity goals and common project types for loans under this program. The approach taken by FEMA in implementing its Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program will provide opportunities to work collaboratively across different levels of government to help increase understanding and effectiveness of this new program.

Supporting Participating Entities

FEMA will utilize a variety of methods and platforms to provide technical assistance to entities following the launch of the initial funding opportunity and throughout the application period. This technical assistance can be leveraged to support the development of application materials, including an entity’s Intended Use Plan and Project Proposal List. Additionally, FEMA will be pursuing a tribal consultation specific to the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program to ensure program design supports tribal implementation.

Lessons learned through providing technical assistance will help inform areas that FEMA can improve and refine the program to meet stakeholder needs. For more information on Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF technical assistance, please visit the Resources and Technical Assistance webpage.

Planning for Future Funding Opportunities

FEMA’s goal is to increase entity participation with higher funding levels in future grant cycles. Subsequent funding opportunities and program policies will incorporate best practices learned from entities participating in the first year of funding to ensure the long-term viability and success of the program at all levels. FEMA intends to award $472 million of the funds available under the new program to eligible entities to address climate change and create a more equitable and resilient nation.

Stakeholder Engagement

To establish a program that meets the unique needs of communities, FEMA will continue to engage with a variety of stakeholders to gather input on how to create a program that is equitable, has reduced administrative burden, and is entity-led.

During initial development, FEMA engaged with other federal agencies that have revolving loan fund programs to get a better understanding of how to develop and implement the program. FEMA also engaged with 35 states and 13 Tribal Nations through listening sessions, participated in national conferences, and incorporated comments received from letters and emails.

In future funding cycles, FEMA will leverage existing communication channels to request and solicit stakeholders’ participation in varying engagement opportunities with state, local and Tribal Nations, and other interested organizations. FEMA will also host webinars and workshops for varied public and private stakeholders, including disadvantaged communities.

Additional Program Engagement Information

FEMA continues to engage stakeholders and incorporate best practices learned throughout this first year to inform future funding opportunities and ensure the long-term viability and success of the program at all levels. For the most up-to-date schedule of engagement opportunities, visit the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF webpage. Additional tribal-specific information for the current funding cycle can be found in this webinar. This is an evolving new program and FEMA will regularly update program resources and materials as needed. Comments and questions may also be submitted by email to FEMA-STORMRLF@fema.dhs.gov.

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