Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

Information related to the FEMA post-disaster hazard mitigation grants.

Table of Contents

HMGP Funding Overview

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Allocations for COVID-19 Declarations: On August 5, 2021, FEMA announced every state, tribe, and territory that received a major disaster declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to receive 4% of those disaster costs to invest in mitigation projects that reduce risks from natural disasters.

UPDATE 9/12/2022: MEMA Mitigation State Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) FY 2021 (revised 9/12/2022) under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for the FEMA-4496-DR-MA-HMGP disaster has been issued. All changes in the document are noted in red text. Key updates include:

  • The application submission deadline has been extended to December. The final state deadline is now December 5, 2022.
  • The federal cost share has been increased under HMGP 4496 to up to 90%.

Also, from previous 5/16/2022 update:

  • To ensure distribution of available funding to the widest extent possible, MEMA will be placing a soft cap of $15,000,000.00 on singular projects.
  • Given the challenges associated with approving generator projects, MEMA will be placing generator projects with a total cost over $1 million for a single generator on a “waitlist” until the end of the grant application period.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - $110,760,576 available statewide. In alignment with the “State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan (SHMCAP)” mission statement, the Commonwealth prioritizes projects that reduce loss of life, and protect natural resources, property, infrastructure, public health, and the economy from natural hazards and climate change impacts through the development of integrated hazard mitigation and climate adaptation projects.

The HMGP provides funds to states, territories, tribal governments, and other communities after a disaster, to reduce or eliminate future risk to lives and property from natural hazards. The intent for funding of hazard mitigation plans and projects is to reduce the need for the reliance on taxpayer-funded federal assistance for disaster recovery. Mitigation also minimizes overall risk to lives and property. State and local governments, tribal organizations, and certain private non-profits may be eligible to apply for funding to cover projects including:

  • Storm-water upgrades
  • Drainage and culvert improvements
  • Property acquisition
  • Slope stabilization
  • Infrastructure protection
  • Seismic and wind retrofits, and
  • Structure elevations

HMGP funding is available to all communities in the Commonwealth that meet the sub-applicant and project eligibility requirements. Federal funding for this grant program is available following a major federal disaster declaration. HMGP funds are available based on a percentage of the total Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs. The HMGP is competitive statewide, and is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

FEMA’s hazard mitigation grant programs are not intended to fund repair, replacement, or deferred maintenance activities. They are designed to assist sub-applicants in developing long-term, cost-effective improvements that will reduce or eliminate risk of damage to people and property caused by natural hazards. Projects that address operation, deferred or future maintenance, repairs or replacement (without a change in the level of protection provided) of existing structures, facilities, or infrastructure (e.g., dredging, debris removal, replacement of obsolete utility systems, bridges and facility repair/rehabilitation) are not considered eligible mitigation grant activities.

Individuals and businesses are not eligible to apply for HMA funds; however, an eligible Applicant or subapplicant may apply for funding on behalf of individuals and businesses.

Application Period: FEMA-4496-DR HMGP opened August 5, 2021 and closed December 5, 2022.

If you are interested in applying, the first step is to submit a “Statement of Interest (SOI)” via the links below. You will be providing us with general information on your project, so that we can be better understand your project and guide you towards the appropriate grant program, and other considerations that you may need as you develop your full application package. Information and instructions on how to submit a full application will be provided to each applicant and will vary depending on the grant program.

MEMA Mitigation State Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) FY 2021 (revised 9/12/2022)

Submit a Mitigation Statement of Interest (for Construction Projects)

Submit a Mitigation Statement of Interest (for C&CB/Planning/Advance Assistance)

FY 2021 & FY 2022 BRIC & FMA and HMGP Technical Assistance and Webinars/Briefings

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Advance Assistance Application

Planning-Related Activities Fact Sheet (HMGP 7% Funding)

Additional Resources

HMGP-4496-MA Grant Sub-Application Package

This package has been developed to assist prospective Sub-Applicants in the preparation of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Sub-Applications.  The package outlines the specific information required for the State and Federal government to review proposed mitigation activities. 

Should assistance be required in the preparation of your Sub-Application, contact one of the State Mitigation Team members (listed on page 10 of the instruction packet).

When submitting an HMGP application electronically, please be sure to include all attachments that are referenced on page 3 of the application package.

SF-424 Family Forms Repository on Grants.gov

Additional Resources

HMGP-4651-MA

On April 18, 2022, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received a Major Disaster Declaration (FEMA-4651-DR-MA) for Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk counties, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for the January 28-29, 2022 Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm. See FEMA-DR-4651-MA - January 28-29 2022 Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm for more information and details.

UPDATE 8/30/2023: MEMA Mitigation State Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for HMGP-4651 under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for the FEMA-4651-DR-MA-HMGP disaster has been issued. The HMGP-4651 funding opportunity is limited to the projects identified in the table starting on page 15 of this NOFO entitled “Appendix A - HMGP 4651 eligible subapplications.” This funding opportunity is not open for other activities, projects, or entities.

  • The subapplication final State deadline is October 2, 2023.
  • The Federal cost share for this disaster is up to 75% Federal share.

Contact   for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback