Federal Grant Status
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of federal grants and what types of payments are undergoing manual review?
On February 28th VDEM was notified by FEMA of a manual review process requirement stating that "Effective immediately, FEMA and DHS are conducting additional reviews of allocations before releasing funds for all grants." On March 19th, FEMA provided revised guidance on how documentation should be presented and submitted for some, but not all of their grant programs. VDEM submitted the requested documentation on March 21st, and while disaster funding is still being awarded, we have not received any non-disaster funding since the start of the manual review process.
The expenses include disaster reimbursements to state, local, and non-profit organizations; preparedness funds to local governments; funds to enhance security (fencing, cameras) for non-profit organizations, and funds for cost effective measures to reduce future risk to flooding.
It is important to note, that while FEMA has put every grant program under manual review, disaster funding is still being awarded. In fact, Virginia localities and state agencies have received disaster relief funding as recently as April 2025. VDEM is working closely with FEMA daily to process disaster grant reimbursements, and the Governor continues to be in close contact with Administration officials to ensure Virginians get the relief they need as swiftly as possible.
The review of federal grants has no impact on state funds that have been made available to support ongoing recovery efforts.
What are the different types of federal grant programs?
For a description of the different federal grant programs, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/grants
Please note that the grants listed above are different than the funding provided to support disaster response and recovery from a declared disaster. Information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.fema.gov/assistance.
What is the status of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants?
In April 2025, FEMA announced that they were ending the BRIC program and canceling all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023. If grant funds had not been awarded to states, tribes, territories and local communities, funds will be immediately returned either to the Disaster Relief Fund or the U.S. Treasury.
It was announced that the City of Richmond had their BRIC grant cancelled. Any further details?
The City of Richmond's 2022 BRIC application was never approved by FEMA and was still under review. There were not any funds awarded. The application was "Identified for Further Review" by FEMA in May 2023 and has since been cancelled. Specific questions regarding FEMA's application and awarding process and timelines should be directed towards FEMA.
Where can I find a list of Virginia’s BRIC applications that were cancelled?
Please note that none of the applications listed were previously approved or had any funds awarded prior to cancellation.
How is the review of grants affecting Hurricane Helene and 2025 flooding relief?
It is important to note, that while FEMA has put every grant program under manual review, disaster funding is still being awarded. In fact, Virginia localities and state agencies have received disaster relief funding as recently as April 2025. VDEM is working closely with FEMA daily to process disaster grant reimbursements, and the Governor continues to be in close contact with Administration officials to ensure Virginians get the relief they need as swiftly as possible.
The review of federal grants has no impact on state funds that have been made available to support ongoing recovery efforts.
Do you have a timeline as to when grant funds might be reviewed?
Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have an update as to when and if grant funding under manual review will be made available. Specific questions regarding FEMA's timelines should be directed towards FEMA.