National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Individual State Earthquake Assistance
Open Opportunities (1)
Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.
- Fiscal Year 2026 National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Individual State Earthquake Assistance Deadline: Aug 14, 2026 · up to $963K
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) grant program makes funds available to states and U.S. territories to increase and enhance the effective implementation of earthquake risk reduction at the state and local level. FEMA recognizes that earthquakes cannot be prevented, but their impacts on life, property, and the economy can be managed. The ISEA grant program prioritizes reducing the risks to life and property from future earthquakes in the U.S. through the establishment and maintenance of an effective earthquake hazards reduction program. All activities funded by the ISEA grant program must be consistent with the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) vision, mission, and strategic goals.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. territories
- State
- Federally recognized tribes
This funding opportunity is provided to those states and territories that have been determined to be at a high or very high risk of earthquakes. This determination is made and published annually by FEMA as the State Assistance Target Allocation Plan. The FY 2024 plan determination is based on the Seismic Design Category (SDC) per the 2020 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures FEMA P-2082, American Society of Civil Engineers and Structural Engineering Institute ASCE/SEI 7-22 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, as shown in the International Code Council (ICC) approved 2024 IBC SDC map and at-risk population in a state. A state of high earthquake risk (with areas in the state boundary
designated as SDC D or above per the 2024 IBC SDC map and at-risk population more than 50,000 based on 2020 US Census population), OR more than 1000 square miles of high seismic area (SDC D or above per 2024 IBC SDC map) will be eligible for a baseline amount plus an additional risk-based award amount. Applicants should be aware that changes in areas of earthquake hazard within the state and changes in population size affect the determination.
The additional amount is in proportion to the state’s Annualized Earthquake Loss, which is documented in FEMA P-366 HAZUS Estimated Annualized Earthquake Losses for the United States.
Participation in this funding opportunity is further limited to those states and territories that can provide the statutory 25% non-federal cost share. The cost share requirement does not apply to those territories that are considered "Insular Areas" (U.S. Virgin Islands), and otherwise eligible for program participation.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Award Procedure
Refer to official Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 30 to 60 days
Refer to official Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) funding opportunity provides funding directly to those States and Territories that have been determined to be at a high, or a very high risk of earthquakes, and who can provide the statutory 25 percent cost-share. They must also be able to demonstrate that the assistance will result in enhanced seismic safety in the State. Funding is provided to eligible States and Territories through non-competitive grants that are administered by FEMA Regional earthquake program management staff. Allowable activities include: Support of seismic mitigation planning, developing inventories and conducting seismic safety inspections of critical structures and lifeline infrastructure, updating building codes, zoning codes, and ordinances to enhance seismic safety, increasing earthquake awareness and education, participation in emergency management exercises that substantially benefit earthquake mitigation efforts, and the promotion of earthquake insurance.
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
For costs associated with providing guidance, technology transfer, and assistance to eligible States and Territories, for earthquake hazard mitigation activities. The Individual State Earthquake Assistance NOFO is a non-competitive grant and restricted to certain specialized/qualified organizations designated by FEMA. Funding may only be used for the purpose set forth in the grant and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Grant funds may not be used for matching funds for other federal grants / cooperative agreements, or for lobbying or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the federal government or any other government entity. All financial and progress reports must be current at the time of application. Refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Pre-award costs are not allowed.
Required Documentation
Eligible States and Territories with High to Very High seismic risks as determined by the Program Office.
Matching Requirements
A cost share is required for all ISEA grants funded under this program. Recipients must provide a statutory 25% non-federal cost share for which assistance is being given. The non-federal cost share may consist of cash, donated or third-party in-kind services, materials, or any combination thereof.
The cost share requirement does not apply to those territories that are considered "Insular Areas" (U.S. Virgin Islands), and otherwise eligible for program participation.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles