FEMA’s $1 Billion BRIC Program Reopens: What States, Locals, and Tribes Must Know

Hook

On March 25, 2026, FEMA officially reopened its flagship Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, making $1 billion available for states, Tribal Nations, territories, and local governments to fund disaster resilience and hazard mitigation projects. This fast-moving reopening follows a turbulent shutdown last year and a federal court order to reinstate the program. Applications are now being accepted via Grants.gov, with a 120-day window and deadlines starting July 23. Projects can receive millions to advance flood control, wildfire protection, earthquake readiness, and much more.

Context

BRIC was created under the Trump Administration as part of the Robert T. Stafford Act, quickly becoming FEMA’s leading tool for funding proactive, community-driven resilience against natural disasters. From its inception, BRIC allocated over $4.6 billion from $15.6 billion in applications, supporting everything from flood levees to tornado safe rooms, with a core mission: shift the focus from post-disaster spending to pre-disaster risk reduction.

However, in April 2025, acting FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton abruptly canceled the 2024–2025 BRIC cycle, putting more than $3.6 billion in pending projects on ice and sparking widespread pushback. Twenty states sued in federal court, arguing the halt left vulnerable communities at greater risk. In December 2025, Judge Richard G. Stearns ordered FEMA to restore the program, a rare instance of swift judicial intervention to resume federal grant funding. The current announcement, made by Secretary Markwayne Mullin at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, finally reopens the doors to states and communities on the sidelines for a year (source).

BRIC is powered by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), marking it as the largest pre-disaster mitigation investment in U.S. history. Notably, the 2026 cycle brings several process tweaks aimed at getting money out faster and empowering state governments to shape spending priorities.

Impact

For States, Tribal Nations, and Territories

The reopening means previously stalled resilience projects can now move forward — and new proposals are welcomed for a limited window. States and Tribes receive guarantee set-asides, but the competitive national pool will support the most shovel-ready, high-impact, and measurable projects. Priorities include major infrastructure (e.g., flood barriers, seismic retrofits), updated hazard-resistant building codes, and projects that align with current federal resilience guidelines. If you're awaiting reimbursement or on a project waitlist, FEMA now has direction (and funds) to proceed.

For Local Governments and Communities

Localities—especially those with previously awarded or pending applications—should immediately engage with state hazard mitigation officers, as states typically act as lead applicants. The new cycle places increased responsibility on states to vet, prioritize, and bundle local projects. Key for locals: match your project to FEMA’s refined priorities (infrastructure resilience, code enforcement, future disaster cost savings) and coordinate early to maximize your application’s competitiveness.

For Nonprofits and Small Businesses

While nonprofits and for-profit contractors cannot apply directly, they stand to benefit as vital partners and subrecipients, delivering engineering studies, community resilience planning, and project implementation services. Nonprofit coalitions should position themselves as ready collaborators and technical partners for state, Tribal, or local applicants. Highlight proven experience in disaster risk reduction or innovative nature-based resilience solutions.

Action: What Grant Seekers Should Do Now

1. Confirm Eligibility and Partner Up: Only states, local governments, Tribal Nations, and territories can apply directly. Local entities should immediately reach out to their state emergency management agencies for inclusion in state applications. Nonprofits or consultants should signal availability as technical assistance partners.

2. Get Ready to Apply: The application window is open now through July 23, 2026 (FEMA BRIC program page). BRIC has historically been competitive, with more than $15 billion requested in prior cycles. Prepare detailed, shovel-ready proposals with strong cost-benefit analyses, engineering documentation, and sustainability plans.

3. Align with New Priorities: Emphasize projects that promote modern building codes, measurable risk reduction, and near-term construction. FEMA now encourages streamlined, large-scale proposals and will expedite those with immediate disaster risk reduction outcomes.

4. Use Technical Assistance: FEMA offers technical support and pre-application webinars (register here); don’t miss opportunities to clarify program rules or strengthen your proposal.

Outlook

With the political and legal clouds now clearing, the focus shifts to execution: Can FEMA and its grantees effectively roll out this record federal investment to strengthen America’s disaster resilience before the next hurricane, wildfire, or flood season? Communities should watch for further program tweaks, possible Congressional oversight, and additional funding rounds as BRIC’s fate has now become a national barometer for proactive disaster policy.

Granted AI continuously tracks federal resilience and infrastructure opportunities—let us know how we can support your next grant application.