FEMA’s FY 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) funding opportunity provides $400 million nationwide to help communities reduce repetitive flood damage to properties insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Applications are due to FEMA by February 26, 2027, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. State application deadlines may be earlier.
For government leaders considering FY 2026 FMA funding, the starting point is to identify potential projects, review eligibility and confirm the application process with the agency administering the program in their state or territory. The official funding opportunity includes the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
What does FY 2026 FMA funding support?
The Flood Mitigation Assistance program funds activities that reduce or eliminate repetitive flood damage to NFIP-insured buildings and structures. The FY 2026 funding opportunity includes three categories:
- Capability and capacity building: $20 million. Supports activities such as flood mitigation planning, project scoping and technical assistance by states to communities.
- Localized flood risk reduction projects: $260 million. Supports projects that benefit NFIP-insured properties, such as stormwater management, floodwater storage and floodplain restoration.
- Individual flood mitigation projects: $120 million. Supports measures that protect individual insured properties, including eligible elevations, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction.
The appropriate funding category depends on the proposed activity and its readiness. A community that needs to evaluate potential solutions may pursue project scoping, while a community with a developed project may be ready to seek mitigation project funding.
Who can apply for Flood Mitigation Assistance?
States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and federally recognized Tribal Nations may apply directly to FEMA.
Local governments, including cities, counties and certain special districts, may participate as subapplicants through their state or territory’s designated applicant agency. Tribal Nations may also participate as subapplicants.
NFIP participation is a core eligibility requirement. Proposed projects must also meet applicable requirements for flood insurance coverage, hazard mitigation plans, cost-effectiveness and other program criteria.
How to get started with FY 2026 FMA
- 1. Confirm your application process and deadlines
Contact your State Hazard Mitigation Officer or designated applicant agency to confirm submission requirements, program priorities and deadlines.
Ask whether your community must first submit a notice of interest or project proposal. Work backward from the state or territorial deadline to allow time for project development and review. - 2. Identify potential projects
Review your hazard mitigation plan, and existing flood mitigation priorities. Work with your State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) to understand how many repetitively flooded properties are in your community and where they are located.
FMA prioritizes projects that reduce or eliminate flood risk to properties with multiple NFIP-insured losses, including repetitive loss (RL) and severe repetitive loss (SRL) properties.
Prepare a short description of the problem, the proposed solution and the properties expected to benefit. This gives your team and the applicant agency a practical starting point for evaluating whether FMA is a suitable funding source. - 3. Review eligibility before developing the full application
Confirm your community’s NFIP status, applicable property insurance requirements and hazard mitigation plan requirements. Review the criteria for your proposed activity, since requirements differ across funding categories.
This early review can identify missing information or eligibility issues before your team commits substantial time to an application. - 4. Establish the scope, budget and responsibilities
Identify the staff and technical support needed to develop the project scope, cost estimate, schedule and supporting documentation. Plan for the benefit-cost analysis and grant application support needed to demonstrate project cost-effectiveness using FEMA-approved methods.
Confirm the required non-federal funding contribution and its proposed source. Assign responsibility for gathering information and coordinating with the applicant agency.
Support from planning through implementation
As part of Michael Baker International, Tidal Basin brings hazard mitigation and grant management together with our company’s water resources planning and engineering capabilities. Our team can support communities with project evaluation, technical analysis, application development, design and implementation.
For communities considering FY 2026 FMA funding, that means access to the planning, funding and engineering expertise needed to develop a project and carry it forward.
Connect with our team to discuss your community’s flood mitigation priorities, application needs and next steps.
FY 2026 FMA FAQs
What is the FY 2026 FMA application deadline?
Applications are due to FEMA on February 26, 2027, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. State and territorial agencies may set earlier deadlines for local subapplications.
What information should communities gather before applying?
Start with a project description, the properties expected to benefit, a preliminary cost estimate and available flood loss and insurance information. Your designated applicant agency can confirm the required documentation and submission process.
Is flood insurance required for FMA projects?
Yes. FMA focuses on NFIP-insured properties in participating communities. Structures proposed for mitigation must meet the funding notice’s insurance coverage and timing requirements.
Does FMA cover the full project cost?
The standard federal cost share is up to 75%. Properties meeting FMA’s definitions of repetitive loss or severe repetitive loss may qualify for federal shares of up to 90% or 100%, respectively, subject to documentation and program requirements.
