Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
🏛 Governor's Office of Emergency Services (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for reducing disaster risk through mitigation planning and projects in California. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, special districts, federally-recognized tribes, and some private nonprofits. Applicants must have a FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to apply for project grants, though nonprofits may qualify if their county has an approved plan. Single-jurisdiction mitigation plans receive up to $150,000 in federal funding; multi-jurisdiction plans receive up to $250,000.
Funding supports mitigation projects that reduce future disaster impacts. Examples include hazard mitigation planning, infrastructure hardening, and resilience improvements. Notice of Interest (NOI) submissions are accepted on a rolling basis for consideration when funding becomes available.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
Mitigation is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. Mitigation is taking action now, before the next disaster, to reduce human and financial consequences later. Effective mitigation requires that we all understand local risks, address the hard choices and invest in long-term community well-being and resilience. Without mitigation actions, we jeopardize our safety, financial security, and self-reliance. As the result of a Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds plans and projects that reduce the effects of future natural disasters. In California, these funds are administered by the Cal OES HMGP Unit. Eligible subapplicants include state agencies, local governments, special districts, and some private non-profits. To learn more about the HMGP, visit: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance and the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance Addendum. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Funding Opportunity Cal OES Hazard Mitigation accepts Notice of Interest (NOI) on an ongoing basis for future funding opportunities. The NOI is intended to provide an opportunity for eligible subapplicants to propose well-defined mitigation actions that reduce risk to life and property from future natural hazards. Eligible subapplications that are not initially selected for submission to FEMA will be retained for future consideration when funding becomes available. Eligible Subapplicants include state agencies, local governments, special districts, and Federally-recognized tribes. Sub-applicants must have a FEMA-approved and locally adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to be eligible for project grants. If your agency or jurisdiction does not have a LHMP, you may apply for grant funding to develop one. Single jurisdiction plans are limited to a maximum federal share of $150,000; Multi-jurisdiction plans are limited to a maximum federal share of $250,000. Some private nonprofit organizations are eligible for HMGP funding, consistent with 44 CFR §206.221and 206.434. Private nonprofit organizations are not required to have an LHMP to be eligible, but the County they are located in must meet the LHMP requirement.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Notice of Interest (NOI)
- Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (FEMA-approved and locally adopted)
- Project narrative describing mitigation action and risk reduction
- Budget and cost-sharing documentation
- Environmental review documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 HMA@caloes.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-328-7450
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 88 | 68 | 77% |
| 2024-2025 | 178 | 119 | 67% |
| 2023-2024 | 318 | 140 | 44% |
| 2025-2026 | 131 | 2 | 2% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for HMGP funding in California?
State agencies, local governments, special districts, federally-recognized tribes, and some private nonprofits can apply. Applicants must have a FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) unless they're a nonprofit whose county has an approved plan.
What is a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and why is it required?
An LHMP is a locally-adopted plan identifying hazards and mitigation strategies. It's required for most applicants before submitting project proposals. Grants can fund LHMP development if you don't have one yet.
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Projects must reduce the effects of future natural disasters. Eligible activities include mitigation planning, structural hardening, flood control, wildfire prevention, and other risk-reduction measures.
When do I apply and what's the deadline?
Cal OES accepts Notice of Interest (NOI) submissions on a rolling, ongoing basis. There is no fixed deadline. Submit your NOI anytime to be considered for future funding opportunities.
What is the funding range for HMGP grants?
Mitigation plans have federal maximums: $150,000 for single-jurisdiction plans and $250,000 for multi-jurisdiction plans. Project funding amounts vary based on scope and FEMA approval.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by confirming your jurisdiction has a FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. If not, consider applying for plan development funding first.
- Use the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance documents to align your project with federal priorities and eligible activities.
- Document community risk assessment data and how your project reduces specific hazards. Stronger risk analysis improves competitiveness.
- Engage stakeholders and your county early. Multi-jurisdiction projects and coordinated approaches are viewed favorably.
- Prepare a detailed project budget and timeline. Cost-sharing requirements mean you'll need identified local or non-federal funding sources.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants submit projects without a FEMA-approved LHMP, making them ineligible. Proposals lack clear risk analysis or measurable disaster risk reduction outcomes. Budgets underestimate soft costs like planning, environmental review, and administration, leading to scope cuts or rejections.
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