Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
🏛 Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for state and local emergency management agencies building or upgrading Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs).
Eligible applicants are state and local government agencies, tribes, and certain nonprofits involved in emergency management. EOC projects must address identified deficiencies and ensure interoperability.
Funding supports construction (new buildings or footprint changes), equipment, and upgrades to existing facilities. Geographic scope is national, with potential state-level prioritization.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The fiscal year (FY) 2024 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program is intended to improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, strategically located, and fully interoperable EOCs with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs. Fully capable emergency operations facilities at the state and local levels are an essential element of a comprehensive national emergency management system and are necessary to ensure continuity of operations and continuity of government in major disasters or emergencies caused by any hazard. Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the DHS Strategic Plan, the EOC Grant Program supports the goal to Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience.
The 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan outlines three bold, ambitious goals in order to position FEMA to address the increasing range and complexity of disasters, support the diversity of communities we serve, and complement the nation’s growing expectations of the emergency management community. The EOC Grant Program supports Goal 3: Promote and Sustain a Ready FEMA and a Prepared Nation.
The FY 2024 EOC Grant Program will provide $103,189,080 for equipping, upgrading or constructing the EOC projects included in Appendix A of this funding notice. Per the National Fire Protection Association, an EOC is defined as a “facility or capability from which direction and control is exercised in an emergency. This type of center or capability is designated to ensure that the capacity exists for leadership to direct and control operations from a centralized facility or capability in the event of an emergency.” “Construction,” as defined in this program, refers to building a new facility or any changes to the footprint of an existing facility, while “upgrading” refers only to internal improvements to an existing facility. Federal Assistance Listing: 97.052. Administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 588-40-0453).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form) or state application form
- Project narrative describing needs, deficiencies, and interoperability benefits
- Detailed budget and cost estimates
- Letters of support from local government and emergency management partners
- EOC facility assessment or capacity study
- Cost-sharing documentation and commitment letters
Program contact
- 👤 Bob Evans
- 📧 Bob.P.Evans@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 97.052 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$12,188,195
-
$9,611,426
-
$8,525,074
-
$8,301,773
-
$8,277,678
-
$7,966,590
-
$6,896,142
-
$6,637,195
-
$6,580,135
-
$6,511,718
Top States by Funding
- SC 2 awards $21.8M
- CA 4 awards $19.9M
- FL 2 awards $13.5M
- LA 2 awards $10.8M
- MS 2 awards $9.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this EOC grant?
State and local government agencies, tribal governments, and eligible emergency management organizations. Individual municipalities and regional coalitions may apply if they operate EOCs.
What types of projects are eligible?
Construction of new EOCs, expansion of existing facilities, equipment purchases, and internal upgrades. All projects must improve interoperability and emergency management capabilities.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. The exact percentage is not specified in the funding notice; verify current requirements with IEMA/OHS.
How much funding can we expect?
Total FY24 program funding is $103,189,080. Individual awards vary by project scope and identified needs.
What's the deadline?
The deadline is July 1, 2027. Check the Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA 588-40-0453) for detailed submission dates and any rolling periods.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document existing EOC deficiencies and explain how your project addresses them. Include photos, assessments, and operational impact data.
- Emphasize interoperability with state, regional, and federal systems. Describe integration with neighboring counties and mutual aid agreements.
- Get letters of support from county commissioners, elected officials, and first responder agencies. Highlight buy-in from emergency management partners.
- Develop a realistic budget with detailed cost estimates for construction, equipment, or upgrades. Obtain competitive quotes for major line items.
- Submit early if possible. Allow time for internal reviews and revisions. Check IEMA/OHS portals frequently for updated guidance or technical assistance webinars.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating project costs or failing to include detailed cost breakdowns. Vague justifications for why the EOC upgrade is needed—use specific operational gaps. Overlooking interoperability requirements and state coordination mandates.
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