Emergency Management Performance Grants
🏛 Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
Can you apply?
This grant is for state and local emergency management organizations building comprehensive, all-hazard preparedness systems. Applicants must be Illinois-based government entities or agencies involved in emergency management. The grant supports activities aligned with the National Preparedness Goal, including threat and hazard assessments, governance strengthening, emergency planning, training, and exercises. Federal employees cannot serve in any capacity on proposals or receive funds.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for state and local emergency management organizations building comprehensive, all-hazard preparedness systems. Applicants must be Illinois-based government entities or agencies involved in emergency management. The grant supports activities aligned with the National Preparedness Goal, including threat and hazard assessments, governance strengthening, emergency planning, training, and exercises. Federal employees cannot serve in any capacity on proposals or receive funds.
Program description
To support a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency preparedness system by building and sustaining the core capabilities contained in the National Preparedness Goal To support a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency preparedness system by building and sustaining the core capabilities contained in the National Preparedness Goal. Examples include: Completing the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) process; Strengthening a state or community’s emergency management governance structures; Updating and approving specific emergency plans; Designing and conducting exercises that enable whole community stakeholders to examine and validate core capabilities and the plans needed to deliver them to the targets identified through the THIRA; Targeting training and verifying identified capabilities; Initiating or achieving a whole community approach to security and emergency management. 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, 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. Pre-award costs are allowable only with the written consent of DHS and if they are included in the award agreement. Federal employees are prohibited from serving in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Federal employees may not receive funds under this award. EMPG Program grantees may only fund projects that were included in the Work Plan that was submitted to and approved by a FEMA Program Analyst. For more information, please see the FY2015 EMPG Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). DHS grant funds 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, 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. Pre-award costs are allowable only with the written consent of DHS and if they are included in the award agreement. Federal employees are prohibited from serving in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Federal employees may not receive funds under this award. EMPG Program grantees may only fund projects that were included in the Work Plan that was submitted to and approved by a FEMA Program Analyst. Beneficiaries: N/A Federal Assistance Listing: 97.042 — Emergency Management Performance Grants. Administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 588-40-0450).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for state and local emergency management organizations building comprehensive, all-hazard preparedness systems. Applicants must be Illinois-based government entities or agencies involved in emergency management. The grant supports activities aligned with the National Preparedness Goal, including threat and hazard assessments, governance strengthening, emergency planning, training, and exercises. Federal employees cannot serve in any capacity on proposals or receive funds.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Work Plan (approved by FEMA Program Analyst)
- Cost share documentation
- Budget and budget narrative
- Emergency management plans or governance documents
- DHS SF-424 or applicable federal forms
Program contact
- 👤 Nichole Strayer
- 📧 nichole.strayer@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 97.042 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$39,266,133
-
$37,917,676
-
$30,306,017
-
$27,656,836
-
$27,342,079
-
$27,209,386
-
$24,465,792
-
$24,392,241
-
$21,651,216
-
$19,851,254
Top States by Funding
- CA 7 awards $175.4M
- TX 5 awards $109.5M
- FL 5 awards $80.3M
- MI 6 awards $53.6M
- NY 4 awards $50.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2017 | $10,927,764 | |
| 2018 | $10,848,380 | |
| 2019 | $10,785,720 | |
| 2020 | $10,714,815 | |
| 2021 | $10,796,972 | |
| 2022 | $12,329,319 | |
| 2023 | $1,061,854,500 | |
| 2024 | $9,504,284 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Illinois state and local government entities responsible for emergency management. Federal employees cannot participate in proposals or receive award funds.
What activities does this grant fund?
THIRA completion, emergency management governance, emergency planning updates, whole-community exercises, training, and security/preparedness approaches aligned with the National Preparedness Goal.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, cost sharing is required. Match amounts should be confirmed with FEMA Program Analysts before submission.
What if I have pre-award costs?
Pre-award costs require written consent from DHS and must be included in the award agreement before incurring them.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by funding cycle. Check the Illinois Emergency Management Agency website for current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) release dates.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Submit all proposed projects through an approved Work Plan reviewed by a FEMA Program Analyst before starting the application.
- Verify that every funded activity directly supports one of the National Preparedness Goal core capabilities.
- Document all cost-sharing commitments in writing; verify amounts and sources early with your FEMA contact.
- Avoid using grant funds for matching other federal awards, lobbying, or regulatory proceedings.
- Ensure no federal employees are paid with or involved in managing the grant work.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing activities not pre-approved in the Work Plan by FEMA Program Analysts. Using federal funds for matching other federal grants or prohibited activities like lobbying. Failing to document adequate cost-sharing sources before submission.
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