Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program is a federal hazard mitigation grant program that supports projects designed to reduce risk from natural hazards and strengthen community resilience. BRIC focuses on proactive investments that help protect people, property, infrastructure, and critical services before disasters occur.

In Tennessee, TEMA supports eligible applicants by providing guidance, coordination, and technical assistance throughout the BRIC application process. Funding availability, priorities, deadlines, and requirements may vary by federal funding cycle.

Program Purpose

BRIC helps communities take action before disasters by supporting mitigation activities that reduce long-term risk and future disaster losses. The program is intended to encourage investments in resilient infrastructure, public safety, and risk-reduction measures that help communities better withstand natural hazards.

What BRIC Can Support

BRIC may support eligible hazard mitigation activities that reduce risk to people, property, infrastructure, and critical services. Depending on the funding cycle and program requirements, eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Infrastructure protection and hardening
  • Flood risk reduction projects
  • Utility and critical facility protection
  • Stormwater and drainage improvements
  • Safe rooms and protective measures
  • Building code adoption and enforcement activities
  • Other projects that reduce risk from natural hazards

BRIC is not intended to fund routine maintenance, repairs, or projects that do not provide long-term hazard mitigation benefits.

Eligibility

Eligible sub-applicants may include state agencies, local governments, and other eligible entities as allowed by the current federal funding opportunity. Individuals, businesses, and private nonprofit organizations cannot apply directly for BRIC funding; however, an eligible government entity may be able to apply on their behalf when the proposed project meets program requirements.

Applicants must meet all current federal and state requirements, including applicable mitigation planning requirements. Eligibility may vary by funding cycle, project type, and federal guidance.

How to Apply for BRIC

Applicants should coordinate with TEMA early to discuss project eligibility, required documentation, and current funding availability before beginning an application. Interested applicants can find the application process below. 

Application Process

Anyone who is interested in applying for a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant should first submit a Statement of Interest to provide initial information about the proposed project. 

Note: BRIC funding is only available when there is an open funding opportunity.

After completing the Statement of Interest form, a TEMA Mitigation Specialist will contact the interested applicant to discuss the project and review initial eligibility. If the project is determined initially eligible, TEMA will provide an application packet with the required forms and supporting documentation needed to apply.

Applicants should complete and submit the application through EM Grants, TEMA's grant portal. All resources for the application process can be found in the portal.

TEMA will review submitted applications before forwarding selected applications to FEMA for review. Applicants may be asked to provide additional information during the review process.

Additional Resources