Disaster Aid Is Available for Some Private Non-profit Organizations 

Release Date: August 4, 2008
Release Number: 1763-134

» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Private non-profit agencies that provide certain critical or essential community services may be eligible for disaster assistance under the public assistance program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Essential community services that may be provided by private non-profit agencies include education, medical, custodial care, emergency services, utilities, certain irrigation facilities, museums, performing arts facilities, community arts centers, zoos, community centers, libraries, homeless shelters, rehabilitation facilities, senior citizen centers, shelter workshops and health and safety services that are governmental in nature.

Some of those services are considered critical under FEMA regulations, including electric power, water systems, wastewater systems, communications facilities, education, emergency medical care, fire protection and emergency services.

When a private non-profit provides community services that are defined as both essential and critical, it may apply directly to FEMA for permanent repair or replacement of damaged facilities as well as for emergency protective measures. The latter are expenses incurred to prevent damage to its facilities during the emergency and for debris clean up afterward.

A private non-profit providing only essential services can apply directly for emergency protective measures. But for permanent repairs or replacement it first must apply for a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If the private non-profit is not able to obtain an SBA loan, or the loan does not cover all the costs, it may be eligible for additional help from FEMA.

The deadline is less than a month away, Aug. 29, 2008, for applying for FEMA public assistance for the Iowa presidential disaster declaration for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning May 25 and continuing. Public assistance grants are normally at the rate of 75 percent of the eligible disaster costs.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Aug-2008 10:16:22