FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMET AGENCY 
Mitigation Directorate Fact Sheet
HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAMS
Spring/Summer 2008

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Hazard Mitigation Grant 
Program (HMGP) provides grants to States, local governments, and Indian 
tribes for long-term hazard mitigation projects following a major disaster 
declaration. The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and 
property in future disasters by funding mitigation measures during the 
recovery phase of a natural disaster.

HMGP LEADS TO LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

HMGP funds can be used to make improvements to public or private property. To 
be eligible, a project must provide a long-term solution to a specific risk.  
Examples are:

·Elevating flood-prone homes or businesses. The structure is raised to have a 
higher first floor that allows floodwater to flow under the house rather than 
through it.
·Acquisition of (and either demolishing or relocating) flood-prone homes from 
willing owners and returning the property to open space. The local government 
becomes the new owner of the property.
·Retrofitting buildings to minimize damage from high winds, flooding, 
earthquakes, and other hazards. FEMA and other organizations have worked to 
develop model code requirements and building guides to aid in the process.
·Floodwall systems to protect critical facilities.

HMGP FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY STATES

During the recovery phase of a disaster, local jurisdictions select projects 
that could reduce property damage from future disasters, and submit grant 
applications to the State. Indian tribes and certain non-profit organizations 
can also apply, and local governments can apply on behalf of individual 
property owners. The States administer the HMGP program. They establish 
mitigation priorities for the State, facilitate the development of 
applications, and submit applications to FEMA based on State criteria and 
available funding. They can also set limits on grant amounts.

FEMA conducts a final eligibility review to ensure compliance with Federal 
regulations. HMGP projects must comply with Federal environmental laws and 
regulations, be cost-effective, and be technically feasible

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HMGP GRANTS AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY DISASTERS

Total grant funding: HMGP funding is allocated using a “sliding scale” 
formula based on the percentage of the funds spent on Public and Individual 
Assistance programs for each Presidentially-declared disaster. For States 
with a Standard State Mitigation Plan, the formula provides 15 percent of the 
first $2 billion of estimated aggregate amounts of disaster assistance; 10 
percent for the next portion of amounts between $2 billion and $10 billion; 
and 7.5 percent for the next portion of amounts between $10 billion and 
$35.333 billion.

Funding formula: FEMA pays up to 75 percent of the project cost. Either the 
State or the applicant(s) covers the remaining 25 percent, although it need 
not be in cash. In-kind services and materials can be used.
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Federal law requires States and local jurisdictions to have a mitigation plan 
prior to receipt of HMGP funds. The plan must identify hazards, assess 
community needs, and describe a community-wide strategy for reducing risks 
associated with natural disasters.

PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS: REMOVING PEOPLE AND PROPERTY FROM HARM’S WAY

The acquisition of property can be an effective way to move people and 
property away from high-risk areas. An acquisition can apply to a single 
piece of property or an entire neighborhood.

Acquisition projects funded through the HMGP are voluntary and homeowners are 
never forced to sell their property. The decision to buy damaged property is 
made by the local government and the property owners, not FEMA. Once an 
acquisition project is approved by the state and FEMA, the community uses 
Federal funds to purchase the home or building, and the land is restricted to 
open space, recreation, or wetlands in perpetuity.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program assists States, Indian tribes, and 
local governments with cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that 
complement a comprehensive mitigation program. The program provides 
applicants with an opportunity before disasters strike to raise risk 
awareness and reduce disaster losses through planning and project grants. 
Potential activities range from plan development to structural retrofits, 
acquisitions of property in high-risk areas, and safe room construction.
PDM applicants compete for funding on a national basis. Public colleges and 
universities can apply as sub-applicants through a State or local government. 
In addition, State or local governments can apply on behalf of private non-
profit organizations and institutions. The program operates on an annual 
cycle and is subject to Congressional appropriations.

FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) is a pre-disaster program that 
provides project, planning, and technical assistance grants to States and 
communities to help reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage. 
Mitigation projects must address buildings and structures that are insurable 
under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The States set mitigation 
priorities and award grant applications.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

For additional HMGP resources and information, visit 
http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index