Deadline: 23-Jul-2026
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program provides $1 billion in federal funding to U.S. states, territories, and tribal nations for proactive hazard mitigation, infrastructure resilience, and adoption of modern building codes. The program emphasizes construction-ready projects, measurable risk reduction, and long-term community protection against natural disasters.
What is the BRIC Grant Program?
The BRIC program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, focuses on proactive disaster risk reduction. It funds projects that strengthen infrastructure, modernize buildings, reduce disaster risks, enforce hazard-resistant building codes, support vulnerable communities, and enhance nationwide project delivery.
Funding Overview
- Total Funding: $1 billion annually
- Funding Categories: State and territory allocations, tribal set-asides, Building Code Plus-Up funds, national competition pool
- Funding Cap: 15% of total available funding per applicant to ensure broad resource distribution
State and Territory Allocation
- Applicants can receive up to $2 million for capacity-building and infrastructure projects
- Funds can support: building code adoption/enforcement and public awareness campaigns linked to eligible projects
- Focused on strengthening local infrastructure resilience and readiness
Tribal Set-Aside
- Federally recognized tribal nations can access dedicated funds with similar caps
- Funding supports infrastructure resilience, hazard mitigation planning, and public education initiatives tied to projects
Building Code Plus-Up
- Special funding stream for states and tribal nations to adopt and enforce hazard-resistant building codes
- Eligible codes: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC)
- Eligible activities: code evaluation, enhancement, workforce development
- Funds cannot be used for unrelated projects
National Competition
- Applicants may submit multiple project proposals
- Each project may receive up to $20 million in federal funding
- Projects are prioritized based on large-scale impact, measurable risk reduction, and readiness for implementation
Who is Eligible?
- Primary Applicants: States, U.S. territories, District of Columbia, federally recognized tribal nations
- Subapplications: Local governments, communities, and other eligible entities through the designated applicant agency
- Requirement: Approved hazard mitigation plan must be in place
Why BRIC Matters
- Shifts focus from disaster response to proactive resilience
- Reduces long-term infrastructure damage costs
- Protects communities from natural hazards
- Promotes adoption of modern, hazard-resistant building codes
- Strengthens national capacity for hazard mitigation
How to Apply
- Designation: State, territory, or tribal nation designates a single agency to apply
- Subapplications: Local entities submit proposals through the designated agency
- Project Preparation: Ensure projects are construction-ready and aligned with hazard mitigation plans
- Submit Application: Include detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, and risk reduction benefits
- Evaluation: FEMA evaluates proposals for risk reduction potential, readiness, and compliance with program requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects without an approved hazard mitigation plan
- Misallocating Building Code Plus-Up funds for unrelated projects
- Failing to demonstrate measurable risk reduction
- Ignoring funding cap limits
- Not designating a single agency for state/tribal applications
FAQs
1. Can local governments apply directly to BRIC? No, local governments must submit subapplications through the designated state, territory, or tribal agency.
2. What projects are eligible? Hazard mitigation, infrastructure resilience, code enforcement, and construction-ready projects that reduce disaster risk.
3. Maximum funding for a national competition project? Up to $20 million in federal funding.
4. Can funds be used for public education? Yes, if directly linked to eligible infrastructure or mitigation projects.
5. Are tribal nations eligible for special funding? Yes, they have a dedicated set-aside and access to Building Code Plus-Up funding.
6. Do applicants need a hazard mitigation plan? Yes, an approved plan is mandatory.
7. Can Building Code Plus-Up funds be used for general infrastructure projects? No, strictly reserved for code evaluation, enhancement, and workforce development.
Conclusion
The BRIC grant program enables proactive investment in U.S. infrastructure resilience, hazard mitigation, and modern building code adoption. By funding construction-ready projects, supporting vulnerable communities, and prioritizing measurable risk reduction, BRIC strengthens the nation’s ability to withstand and recover from natural hazards efficiently and cost-effectively.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.