Grants

Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Department of Homeland Security - FEMA
Award Range
$337,250,000 in total across about 56 awards
Deadline
Closed 2026-07-15
Time Remaining
This cycle closed on 2026-07-15. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
CFDA Number
97.042
Bottom line: The Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program provides $337,250,000 in total across about 56 awards through the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Emergency Management Performance Grant Program focuses on all-hazards emergency preparedness. The primary objective is to assist state, local, tibal, and territorial emergency management agencies to implement the National Preparedness System and to support the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Details from the notice: Either the SAA or the EMA is eligible to apply directly to FEMA for EMPG Program funds on behalf of each state or territory. Applicant types on grants.gov: Other applicants described in the notice; State governments.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.

Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Emergency Management programs by who can apply.

How to apply: step by step

  1. Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
  2. Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
  3. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
  4. Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
  5. Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit once the next cycle opens. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
  6. Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program
Funding Agency Department of Homeland Security - FEMA
CFDA Number 97.042
Award Minimum Not published
Award Maximum Not published
Deadline Closed 2026-07-15
Category Emergency Management
Matching Required Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds
Application Link Apply on Grants.gov

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Emergency Management grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program?

Details from the notice: Either the SAA or the EMA is eligible to apply directly to FEMA for EMPG Program funds on behalf of each state or territory. Applicant types on grants.gov: Other applicants described in the notice; State governments. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.

What is the deadline for Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program?

The current deadline is closed on 2026-07-15; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.

Does Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program require matching funds?

Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.