Funding Database: Public Assistance

Through the Public Assistance program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funding and technical assistance following federally declared disasters to help states, territories, tribes, local governments and nonprofits repair or replace damaged assets.

NC Emergency Management (NCEM) administers the program in North Carolina and serves as the direct contact between FEMA and grant applicants.

Eligible Applicants

An applicant must be a state, territory, tribe, local government or a private nonprofit organization.

Eligible Projects

Facilities identified for repair must be owned or managed by an eligible applicant and have been in operation during the period of the disaster declaration. Eligible projects include:

• Debris removal
• Emergency protective measures, which includes emergency communications and public transportation assistance
• Roads and bridge repair
• Water control facilities repair
• Public buildings and equipment repair and replacement
• Public utilities repair
• Parks and recreational facilities restoration and repair
• Other costs of state management

FEMA also offers funding for disaster recovery through Public Assistance Hazard Mitigation funds. This funding is part of the same grant and shares the same application as the Public Assistance Grant.

The Public Assistance Program Policy Guide (PDF) provides additional requirements for projects depending on the applicant and project type. Minimum work requirements and total damage cost requirements are listed within.

Funding Amount

FEMA funding varies, depending on the overall cost of the project. Costs must be deemed “necessary and reasonable” to accomplish the work properly and efficiently. FEMA factors equipment, materials, labor and other costs into its award decision. The Public Assistance Program Policy Guide (PDF) also has detailed funding criteria. 

Match Requirements

Federal cost share must be no less than 75% but may be as much as 90% depending on circumstances. In North Carolina, the state has paid the match for Public Assistance grants.

Application Schedule

Public Assistance grants are implemented over seven phases:

1. Operational planning, applicant coordination and application
2. Site impacts and eligibility assessment
3. Project scoping and cost analysis
4. Final FEMA project reviews
5. Funding and recovery transition meeting
6. Post-award monitoring and amendments
7. Final reconciliation and closeout 

Application Process

Applicants must register and apply for Public Assistance through the FEMA Grants Portal. Submit a New Registration request form to register your organization or agency, then fill out the Request for Public Assistance form. Required forms are available on the NCEM Public Assistance webpage under the Forms header and on the FEMA Public Assistance Project Templates and Forms page.

Application Assistance

Visit the FEMA How to Apply webpage for assistance with the Grants Portal. NCEM offers additional assistance including the Public Assistance 101 (PDF) slideshow under the Webinar and Resources heading.

Funding Source

NCEM administers this funding, which is provided by FEMA through congressionally appropriated disaster relief funds under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.