FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program offers some financial assistance to eligible private non-profit organizations for emergency protective measures taken during a disaster. However, these measures are generally limited to activities that prevent damage to an eligible facility and its contents. Here's a breakdown of what's typically eligible:

• Protecting Facilities: Costs associated with protecting a non-profit's owned or operated facility from further damage caused by the disaster. Examples include:
  • Boarding up windows to prevent vandalism or wind damage
  • Tarpaulin repairs to damaged roofs to prevent water infiltration
  • Sandbags to protect buildings from flooding
• Securing Contents:  Measures to safeguard essential equipment, supplies, and other contents within the facility. This could include:
  • Moving contents to higher ground in flood-prone areas
  • Securing inventory or equipment to prevent wind damage or theft
• Emergency Sheltering:  In some cases, non-profit facilities used as emergency shelters during the disaster might be eligible for reimbursement of certain costs associated with sheltering displaced individuals.

Important Considerations:

• Eligibility Requirements:  The non-profit organization must meet FEMA's eligibility criteria,  including having a ruling letter from the IRS granting tax-exempt status and owning or operating an eligible facility providing essential social services.
• Direct Result of Disaster:  The emergency protective measures must be a direct result of the declared disaster and necessary to prevent further damage.
• Documentation: Proper documentation is crucial. You need to maintain detailed records of the expenses, the damage sustained, and the justification for the emergency protective measures taken.

Here's what's generally not eligible:

• Normal Operations:  Costs associated with the non-profit's regular operations, even if disrupted by the disaster, are not eligible.
• Routine Maintenance:  Costs for routine maintenance or repairs to the facility are not covered.
• Improvements:  Upgrades or improvements to the facility beyond pre-disaster conditions are not eligible.

Finding More Information:

• FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG): While the PAPPG doesn't have a dedicated section on non-profits, it provides general guidance on eligible costs. Chapter 2: Public Assistance Policy, Section V Cost Eligibility  ([invalid URL removed])
• FEMA Public Assistance: Private Nonprofit Organizations: This FEMA fact sheet offers specific details on eligibility requirements for private non-profits: https://www.fema.gov/

Remember,  it's always recommended to consult with FEMA directly to determine the eligibility of your specific emergency protective measures for potential Public Assistance reimbursement.

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