Funding Database: Building Resilient Infrastructure

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program makes federal funds available for hazard mitigation activities that promote climate adaptation and resilience. BRIC focuses on addressing both acute extreme weather events and chronic stressors that are expected to increase in intensity and frequency in the future.

Eligible Applicants

States, territories and federally recognized tribal councils are eligible to submit BRIC applications directly to FEMA. State agencies, local governments, state-recognized tribal entities and entities assisting Economically Disadvantaged Rural Communities (PDF) (EDRCs) are eligible to apply to BRIC through NC Emergency Management (NCEM). NCEM compiles sub-applications for inclusion in the state’s application to FEMA.

Eligible Projects

BRIC funding is available for two types of proposals: shovel-ready or phased infrastructure projects; and capability and capacity-building (C&CB) activities. C&CB activities must result in a resource, strategy or tangible mitigation product that will reduce or eliminate risk and damage from future natural hazards, increase resiliency and promote a culture of preparedness.

Funding Amount

The total amount of BRIC funding varies each year; however, in past years, each state has been guaranteed a minimum of $2 million. C&CB proposals are ranked and funded by the $2 million state allocation. Beyond that, eligible sub-applications are awarded on a nationally competitive basis. Funded projects in North Carolina have ranged from approximately $800,000 to $10 million.

Match Requirements

The BRIC program generally requires a 25% match from non-federal funding sources; however, NCEM recommends proposing a 30% match from non-federal sources to capture the available overmatch points.

EDRCs may be eligible for up to a 90% federal cost share. NCEM recommends an 88% federal / 12% non-federal split to capture the available overmatch points. To qualify as an EDRC, the community must have a population of under 3,000 and an average per capita annual income not exceeding 80% of the national per capita income, based on best available data. Also, communities with a CDC Social Vulnerability Index rating greater than 0.80 also qualify for additional points and review advantages. Also, projects within designated Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZ) now qualify for the same benefits as an EDRC.

Application Schedule

The annual schedule for BRIC grant application is subject to change. The fiscal year 2022 cycle followed this format:

• Mid-August: State released its Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
• Late August: FEMA BRIC webinar series began
• Oct. 3, 2022: Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline
• Early October: Screening panel
• Oct. 13, 2022: Invitations to apply went out
• Nov. 18, 2022: Sub-applications deadline
• Late November: State government prioritized projects for inclusion in the state submission
• Early December: State government met with sub-applicants
• Jan. 5, 2023: Final draft application deadline
• Jan. 22, 2023: State government submitted its application with sub-applications
• July 2023: FEMA announced selections
• October 2024: Expected award date
• Project must be completed 36 months after award date

The federal review process is a significant time allotment. Budget your projects with this process in mind.

Application Process

Contact Kaine Riggan at NCEM to set up a meeting to discuss which type of proposal to submit and draft a LOI. Submit LOIs to the NCEM EMGrants system. If invited to apply, work with NCEM to draft an application.

Application Assistance

Watch this webinar on the BRIC/FMA LOI process for an application overview. Further resources are available in the How to Write a Winning BRIC Application webinar.

Funding Source

The BRIC program is funded by congressional appropriation to the US Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. NCEM, a division of the NC Department of Public Safety, administers the funding.