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FUNDING EMERGENCY ALERT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Funding Emergency Alert and Communications

November 2, 2012

Is your state, or region, one of the many working to improve their emergency alert and communication efforts? Public broadcasting, as a key communicator, can play a major role here, and it is time more stations took advantage by partnering with their state on this vital issue. There is a growing interest surrounding emergency alerts and communications in response to a spike in disasters worldwide. From 1999 – 2003, there were an average of 708 disasters per year; nearly double that of the previous five years. With such a dramatic increase in disastrous events comes a growing awareness and need for better preparedness, prevention and mitigation especially after the tragedies of September 11th, Hurricane Katrina and the Indonesian Tsunami. Public Broadcasting stations can play a key role as hosts and conveners of communication during emergencies. Below are resources to assist you as you seek out federal and foundation funding to support emergency alerts and communication activities in your community.

For more information on foundation and federal funding opportunities, download the PowerPoint slides from a recent webinar featuring the Grant Center's Amie Miller and Meegan White.

Foundation Funding:
Many foundations, especially in recent years, have made contributions to disaster relief and recovery in their local communities and around the world. With the increase in the number and frequency of disasters, foundations are becoming increasingly interested in supporting disaster prevention and preparedness. New collaborations are beginning to develop, focused on more sustained and planful disaster grantmaking. For example, the recently launched Center for Disaster Philanthropy, helps donors utilize strategic approaches to disaster preparedness and recovery.

Stations interested in seeking support to build their emergency alert capacity may find a fit with foundations that have a history of support for disaster relief, an expressed interest in preparedness, and/or a strong interest in meeting the critical needs of the local community. Stations will need to “make the case” for funding and should emphasize the impact of enhanced alert capacity on growing the community’s long-term ability to be prepared in the event of disaster.

Some foundations with a history of support for emergency relief, recovery and preparedness are listed below. Click on the links provided to be taken directly to more detailed information surrounding the foundation.

Some major foundations (e.g., Ford Foundation, Lilly Endowment, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) have played a significant role in disaster relief and recovery and are investing in development aimed at disaster prevention, especially in vulnerable places around the globe.

Additional Resources:
Philanthropic Grantmaking for Disaster Management: Trend Analysis and Recommended Improvements: This 2006 report provides insight into how foundations approach disaster grantmaking and also into the broader conversation within the foundation sector about disaster grantmaking.

Disaster Grantmaking: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations: Produced by the Council on Foundations and the European Foundation Centre, this guide suggests principles and tips for good disaster grantmaking.

Federal Funding:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers three grant programs each with an emergency alert component. Click on the links below for more detailed information on the program guidelines. For stations looking for a replacement to the equipment funding previously awarded under the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), funds from these programs support the purchase of new equipment for the purpose of the project at hand. A list of acceptable equipment can be found by searching FEMA’s Responder Knowledge Base.

Please note these programs are formula grants, where funds are awarded to a specific state and/or region. Stations must act as partners in these programs, and should contact their State Administrative Agency to find out how their station can play a role.

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
This FEMA program funds activities which improve public alert and warning communications; expand coverage to unserved and underserved areas; enable communication across all levels of government; and connect local systems and responders to regional or statewide systems. Applicants can submit applications under three subprograms which include: State Homeland Security Program (SHSP); Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI); and Operation Stonegarden (OPSG). In 2012, $830,976,000 was allocated under this program: $294 million for SHSP; $491 million for UASI; and $46.6 million for OPSG.

Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP)
This FEMA program funds activities that enhance the ability of Tribal nations to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from potential terrorist attacks and other hazards. Under this program, applicants are encouraged to coordinate with state and regional partners to improve public alert and warning communications. In 2012, $6,000,000 was allocated across 15 grants. Only qualified Indian Tribes are eligible to apply. Stations in those regions, should reach out to develop partnerships.

Emergency Management Performance Grants Program (EMPG)
This FEMA program is designed to provide financial support to a state to improve preparedness for all hazards on a state, local, tribal and territorial level. Under this program, funds may be used for the development and/or enhancement of evacuation plans, including plans for alerts/warnings, crisis communications, pre-positioning of equipment for areas potentially impacted by mass evacuations sheltering and re-entry. In 2012 $339,500,000 was allocated under this program. A 1:1 cash or in-kind match is required.

Additional Resources:
SAA Point of Contact List: This document provides at least one point of contact, with both phone and email communication, for each State Administration Agency throughout the United States.

Responder Knowledge Base: All of the above mentioned FEMA programs support the purchase of new equipment to complete necessary emergency alert and communication tasks. The Responder Knowledge Base, hosted by FEMA provides a listing of all authorized equipment allowed for purchase under these programs.