FEMA Public Assistance Program Available to Non-Profits for COVID-19 Expenses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering financial assistance to state, territorial, tribal, and local government entities and certain private not-for-profit organizations, including 501(c)(3) healthcare and senior living organizations. In fact, FEMA has begun awarding funding to state emergency management agencies under the Public Assistance Program for eligible response activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance Program application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow state and local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. FEMA will cover 75% of eligible expenses, with applicants covering the other 25%. Even though the process has been simplified, applying for and getting awarded FEMA funds is a multistep process.

Under the COVID-19 Public Assistance Program, FEMA may provide assistance for emergency protective measures if not funded by the HHS/CDC or other federal agency. Final reimbursement determinations will be coordinated between HHS and FEMA, but FEMA will not duplicate any assistance provided by HHS/CDC or other federal agency. Some of the emergency protective measures that may be covered under the program include the following:

• Management, control and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety:
  • Emergency Operation Center costs
  • Training specific to the declared event
  • Disinfection of eligible public facilities
  • Technical assistance to state, tribal, territorial or local governments on emergency management and control of immediate threats to public health and safety
• Emergency medical care:
  • Non-deferrable medical treatment of infected persons in a shelter or temporary medical facility
  • Related medical facility services and supplies
  • Temporary medical facilities and/or enhanced medical/hospital capacity (for treatment when existing facilities are reasonably forecasted to become overloaded in the near term and cannot accommodate the patient load or to quarantine potentially infected persons)
  • Use of specialized medical equipment
  • Medical waste disposal
  • Emergency medical transport
• Medical sheltering (e.g. when existing facilities are reasonably forecasted to become overloaded in the near future and cannot accommodate needs)
  • All sheltering must be conducted in accordance with standards and/or guidance approved by HHS/CDC and must be implemented in a manner that incorporates social distancing measures
  • Non-congregate medical sheltering is subject to prior approval by FEMA and is limited to that which is reasonable and necessary to address the public health needs of the event, is pursuant to the direction of appropriate public health officials and does not extend beyond the duration of the Public Health Emergency.

Eligible entities can apply for FEMA Public Assistance by completing a Request for Public Assistance through Iowa Homeland Security.  See links below for additional information.

Resources:

FEMA Public Assistance Program:  Private Non-Profits Fact Sheet

FEMA Public Assistance Program:  Emergency Protective Measures Fact Sheet

FEMA Public Assistance Program: Eligible Emergency Medical Care Fact Sheet