Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
FEMA
Amount
$50,000 – $50,000,000
Deadline
Annual (next cycle TBA)
Eligibility
501(c)(3)
Region
National
FEMA's BRIC program funds hazard mitigation projects that protect buildings and communities from floods, storms, earthquakes, and other natural hazards. Churches cannot apply directly: eligible applicants are states and tribes, with local governments as subapplicants. A church benefits by having its city or county include the property in its application, so the path in is your local emergency management or hazard mitigation office. The program was reinstated by federal court order in March 2026 after a 2025 termination attempt, and a combined FY2024-25 round worth $1 billion is currently open. For security-focused funding churches can apply for directly, see FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program through your state administering agency.
Eligible purposes
Grants often don't cover the full project
Most churches combine grant funding with a church loan to fully fund construction, renovation, or expansion projects. Check your loan readiness to see what lenders will cover the gap.
Check your readiness →Tips for applying
- Read the full guidelines first. Every grant program has specific eligibility criteria, required documentation, and scoring rubrics. Review these thoroughly before starting your application to ensure your church qualifies.
- Start early.Most grant applications take 2–4 weeks to compile properly. You will likely need financial statements, Board resolutions, project plans, and letters of support. Starting early gives you time to gather everything without rushing.
- Quantify your community impact. Grant reviewers want to see specific numbers: how many people your church serves, what programs you run, and the measurable outcomes of your ministry. Vague claims about community benefit are less compelling than concrete data.
- Consider hiring a grant writer.Professional grant writers who specialize in nonprofit and religious institution funding can significantly improve your success rate. Many charge 5–10% of the grant amount or a flat fee.
- Have a backup plan. Grant funding is competitive and not guaranteed. If your project depends on grant funding, explore loan options as well. Our free readiness assessment can help you understand your loan eligibility alongside your grant applications.