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After Hurricane Sandy, the non-profit organization Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association sought Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance funds to repair the boardwalk that ran along the beach in its community. However, FEMA denied the group funds, stating that it did not qualify—FEMA does not assist non-profits who are making repairs in solely recreational areas.
So, what kind of non-profit organizations does FEMA help, and what kinds of projects do they take on? Generally, your non-profit organization must do both of the following:
- Operate facilities that are open to the general public.
- Perform services that are otherwise performed by a government agency.
More specifically, FEMA may grant assistance if you own and operate the following types of private non-profit organizations:
- Schools, such as colleges, universities, or private schools.
- Utility companies, such as communication organizations, water or power companies, or sewage treatment facilities.
- Emergency services, such as ambulance companies, fire protection companies, and rescue organizations.
- Medical services, such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care organizations, mental health facilities, and outpatient facilities.
- Custodial care organizations, such as senior day cares, institutional care facilities, and other home care services.
- Governmental services organizations, such as zoos, community centers, libraries, homeless shelters, low-income housing, drug rehabilitation centers, domestic violence shelters, and food programs.
If you are not certain if your non-profit organization qualifies for FEMA public assistance, you may consider applying for funds or speaking with a hurricane claim attorney at Voss Law Firm. In addition, you can read more about qualifying for FEMA and getting funds for storm damage in our article library.