Best Emergency Preparedness Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities planning disaster preparedness, relief, or related community resilience projects in the District of Columbia can apply for International Paper Foundation grants. Focus areas include disaster preparedness, humanitarian aid, and critical community needs, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000 for programs in communities where International Paper operates.

Nonprofit and public-sector partners developing flood hazard data and maps in the District of Columbia and nearby Region 3 states can receive up to US $5,000,000 to improve emergency and disaster preparedness. FEMA’s Cooperating Technical Partners Program funds projects that enhance flood risk awareness, support mitigation planning, and strengthen community resilience to flooding.

District of Columbia community-based nonprofit organizations seeking to strengthen physical or cyber security at their own facilities can access funding through the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice. Grants support emergency preparedness activities such as hardening soft targets, security planning, and exercises or training to reduce risks from terrorist or extremist attacks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the District of Columbia and other Southern-region communities can seek funding for disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and related services. Grants from Robinson Foundation help support programs addressing emergency needs alongside poverty relief, medical assistance, children and families, veterans, and animal welfare, provided applicants have operated for at least three years and seek single-year support.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program, supported by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, develops future public health scientists through experiential learning in laboratory science. Participants receive training aligned with core competencies and work on impactful projects in various focus areas such as bioinformatics, food safety, and infectious disease. With flexible terms and potential for extension, this fellowship ensures a robust foundation for a career in public health laboratory science.

Nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia providing volunteer emergency services, emergency food or shelter, or disaster-related support may be eligible for funding to help people in need, especially children. Nailba Charitable Foundation supports U.S. human and social service programs that have backing from a NAILBA member agency or corporate partner and use funds directly for services.

Nonprofits, local governments, and regional partners in the District of Columbia working on disaster preparedness, recovery, or economic revitalization can apply for the EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental, with awards up to US $50,000,000. Funding from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration supports readiness, implementation, and industry transformation projects after 2023–2024 natural disasters.

Nonprofits, individuals, and academic institutions working on disaster preparedness, AI risk, or other long-term global catastrophic risk projects in the District of Columbia and worldwide can apply for Centre for Effective Altruism USA’s Long-Term Future Fund grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $500,000. Funding supports research, up-skilling, seed organizations, and movement-building to reduce existential risks.

Mobile healthcare programs in the District of Columbia planning disaster preparedness activities can receive up to US $10,000 to strengthen emergency readiness. Mobile Healthcare Association provides funding for members to develop action plans, train staff, prepare vehicles and equipment, and ensure continuity of care during weather-related emergencies such as hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, and tornadoes.

Local, state, and tribal governments in the District of Columbia can use this Emergency Management Performance Grant to support disaster preparedness planning, training, exercises, and emergency management personnel. With a mission to strengthen all-hazards emergency readiness, Rhode Island Office of Accounts and Control provides awards from US $825,152 - US $24,392,241 through this DHS/FEMA-funded program.

District of Columbia nonprofits and public agencies planning land-acquisition projects for outdoor recreation and disaster resilience may be eligible for US $250,000 - US $3,000,000 through the Readiness and Recreation Initiative. Administered by the National Park Service, this program supports projects near military installations or airspace that enhance public outdoor access and long-term community resilience.

Nonprofit and municipal organizations planning backup power projects to maintain essential services during outages can apply for the Powered & Prepared Initiative, which offers US $300,000 in funding. Focused on disaster preparedness and basic human needs, Hillman Family Foundations supports 501(c)(3) entities and local governments in U.S. communities, which may include D.C.-based efforts serving southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program aims to enhance earthquake risk mitigation through multi-state and national activities. Funded by FEMA, this program supports nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in developing initiatives that align with NEHRP goals. Priorities include seismic community development and business sector outreach, ensuring preparedness across various regions. This grant fosters collaboration among key agencies to improve resilience against earthquakes, ultimately safeguarding communities and enhancing public safety.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance program aims to enhance flood mitigation funding delivery, focusing on the needs of disaster survivors. This federal initiative, managed by FEMA, provides essential funds to states, territories, and local governments to mitigate flood risks and reduce repetitive damage to properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. The program supports various activities designed to lower the financial exposure of the NFIP while promoting community resilience against flooding.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) for effective disaster response. It focuses on closing funding gaps, fostering collaboration among federal and non-federal partners, and improving resource coordination during emergencies. This initiative supports the DHS's goals of building national resilience and enhancing first responder training, ensuring swift and effective responses to various threats and disasters.

The Pediatric Disaster Care Centers of Excellence Program aims to enhance the nation's readiness for pediatric care during disasters. It focuses on developing coordinated care capabilities, strengthening preparedness plans, and increasing statewide medical surge capacity for children. By funding four Centers of Excellence, the initiative seeks to improve healthcare professionals' competency through standardized training and enhance situational awareness regarding pediatric disaster care. This program addresses critical gaps in pediatric disaster management to ensure effective responses during high-consequence emergencies.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

The Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards support nonprofits by providing them with essential software, grants, and pro bono assistance to enhance their impact on vulnerable populations. The program aims to foster community connections, promote resilience during crises, and create career pathways in technology. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to utilizing technology in their services, enhancing their ability to support beneficiaries effectively. This initiative empowers nonprofits to leverage technology for greater social good.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.